Speakers for events include SVP of SCE&G and former PetSmart CEO

Men and women who sought and conquered one of the most demanding college experiences in the nation will proudly march through McAlister Field House at 9 a.m.on Saturday, May 9, to accept their diplomas. Approximately 500 graduates who are on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, veteran students, or members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets (SCCC), will be joined by faculty, friends and family to celebrate their achievements.

Graduates will be congratulated and addressed by one of their own—Citadel Class of 1988 Regimental Commander, W. Keller Kissam. A native of Creston, South Carolina, Kissam is SCANA Corporation’s senior vice president, as well as president of retail operations for South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G).  He joined SCANA immediately after graduating from The Citadel with a degree in English, rising through the ranks while also holding positions of leadership in his community.  Kissam serves as president of the Independent School Association of South Carolina and is on numerous boards including Southeastern Electric Exchange and The Citadel Brigadier Foundation. 

"I owe a lifetime of gratitude to the faculty and staff of The Citadel who gave a small town South Carolina farm boy the educational opportunity of a lifetime,” said Kissam. "To celebrate the successes of the Class of 2015 upon their commencement is my highest honor."

The SCCC ceremony will be followed the same day by The Citadel Graduate College (CGC) commencement at 3:30 p.m.  More than 300 graduates, evening undergraduate and veteran students will be receiving their diplomas at that event. They will be addressed by Robert F. Moran, former chairman and chief executive officer of Petsmart, Inc. Moran was named to Fortune magazine’s top 50 Business People list in 2011 and 2012 after a 40-year career in that included positions with Sears, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Galerias Preciados.  He serves on numerous boards including GNC Holding and the USA Track and Field Foundation.

Who can attend?

Only ticketed guests will be permitted into McAlister Field House for the SCCC graduation. The CGC ceremony does not require tickets.

When to arrive

Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for the SCCC commencement. Guests arriving prior to that time will be asked to wait. All guests are asked to be seated by 8:30 a.m. Doors will close at 8:50 a.m. sharp for the processional and will not reopen until after the national anthem and invocation.  Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for the CGC ceremony. Guests are asked to be seated by 3 p.m. 

Parking

Space is limited on campus. Families are encouraged to plan ahead, carpool when possible and allow appropriate time for parking. Limited golf cart shuttles will be available for the elderly and people with mobility impairments.  Additional information is available here. 

Security

Only authorized, credentialed, media will be permitted to take photographs on the field house floor during the ceremonies.  

For the safety of all in attendance, large bags, backpacks (to include bota bags, wine-skins, and camelbacks), large purses, hard-sided containers or items larger than 8" x 11" will not be permitted. Allowable hand bags will be inspected prior to entrance. Complete safety guidelines can be found here. 

Other graduation week events

Complete information about all of the graduation week events for members of the S.C. Corps of Cadets is here. The full schedule of events for The Citadel Graduate College is here. 

WATCH IT FROM HOME

Those far away or without tickets can join the Corps for by watching commencement live on the college’s website here.  

Media Instructions

South Carolina Corps of Cadets Commencement: media  should park in the marked media parking area to the back left of McAlister Field House next to Vandiver Hall. A cadet will be present to assist.  Proceed to the media check-in table at the nearby back door of the field house. Provide credentials, sign in and keep credentials displayed at all times.

• There are two approved media positions: the 2nd floor press box and the marked position on the arena floor. Requests for photos and videos from other areas should be given to the media relations representatives on site and will be considered.  Media with photo and video approval must be escorted.

• Media who require special positions for large vehicles should contact the college’s Office of Communications and Marketing in advance of commencement day.

• Professional photographs and high-definition b-roll will be available following the ceremony. Please email kkeelor@citadel.edu to make a request.

The Citadel Graduate College Commencement: media may also park in the Vandiver parking lot and may set up on the perimeter of the ceremony audience on the field house floor at will, away from the line of sight of guests.