NW Valley Times

Junior Grand Canyon University (GCU) Army ROTC cadet Colton Fritz recently took the oath of enlistment. Fritz, who had initially planned to commit to the National Guard following graduation, decided to pursue active duty instead.

“My plan was active duty after college,” Fritz said.

On Friday morning, Fritz and 10 other GCU cadets recited the oath of enlistment at a contracting ceremony held on Prescott Field. This marked their formal commitment to serving as U.S. Army ROTC cadets.

“It’s worked out,” said Fritz, a junior history major from Buckeye, Arizona.

Lt. Col. Ryan Whipple, professor of military science for both GCU and Arizona State University ROTC programs, explained that cadets are not required to contract until their junior year but can choose to do so earlier.

“From the freshman to junior year is all preparation and training,” Whipple said.

The contracted cadets will undergo training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before their senior year when they essentially run the ROTC program. The ceremony held special significance for those involved.

“When they’re raising their hand for the first time, they’re committing to serve this great country of ours,” Whipple said. “It really is a huge step because in today’s world, there are a lot of people who aren’t willing to make sacrifices.”

Company Commander Stephanie Thorne attended as a guest of Fritz and noted how meaningful the ceremony was compared to others she had heard about.

“This is new to me,” Thorne said. “The fact that GCU does this for the cadets is very meaningful and gives them an opportunity to start leaning into that military life with formation, big events and ceremonies.”

Sophomore GCU Army ROTC cadet Garin Cernich also took his first oath of enlistment during the event. Carlos Vizcarra, another junior sports management major from San Luis, Arizona, shared his experience and dedication.

”Ever since I came out of basic training and went to GCU, I worked very hard to bring my physical fitness and academics level to an optimal level,” Vizcarra said.

Whipple expressed satisfaction with the growth of the program at GCU.

“GCU is doing a great job of supporting and growing the program,” Whipple said. “Our values align a lot with the values of the university.”

Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]