Three Pitt-Bradford Seniors
Commissioned Second Lieutenants

Three University of Pittsburgh at Bradford senior ROTC students were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in a ceremony on campus today.

Lt. Col. Thomas Leitch of the Seneca Battalion of the ROTC program headquartered at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y., administered the oath to Michael D. Dixon, a history/political science major from Bradford; Matthew E. Gustin, a criminal justice major from Shinglehouse; and Travis R. Michael, a criminal justice major from Erie.

“These young men have successfully completed all academic, leadership and experience-based requirements for becoming U.S. Army officers, and they will represent the largest number of Pitt-Bradford graduates ever to be commissioned at the same time,” said Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Dr. K. James Evans, who was also honored Wednesday for his support of the Seneca Battalion.

Leitch said that the students are the 13th, 14th and 15th Pitt-Bradford students commissioned since Pitt-Bradford began offering ROTC through St. Bonaventure 29 years ago.

Dixon enrolled in ROTC as a freshman, receiving a 3 ½-year scholarship at Pitt-Bradford. He competed in both swimming and cross country at the university, serving as captain of both teams. He plans to go on active duty in the Army next month as a transportation corps officer. As a cadet, he served as the Battalion S-4 and as Alpha Company executive officer. He is the son of David and Ruth Dixon.

Gustin also enrolled in ROTC as a freshman, receiving a one-year scholarship at Pitt-Bradford. He served as Gold Bar President for two years and was a member of the Criminal Justice Club. He plans to serve in the Army National Guard as an infantry officer. As a cadet, he served as Charlie Company commander and Charlie Company executive officer. He is the son of Scott and Sharron Gustin.

Michael enrolled in ROTC as a junior, attended Leadership Training Camp and received a two-year scholarship at Pitt-Bradford. He served as Habitat for Humanity president for one year and was a member of the Outdoor Club. He plans to serve in the Army Reserves as a military police officer. As a cadet, he served as Charlie Company commander and Battalion S-1. He is the son of Robert and Mary Sue Michael.

Pictured, from top, Ruth Dixon pins second lieutenant bars on her son, Michael Dixon of Bradford. Dixon’s dad, David Dixon, is at right; Scott Gustin pins second lieutenant bars on his son, Matthew Gustin of Shinglehouse; 2nd Lt. Travis Michael of Erie takes the oath of office.
(Photos courtesy of Pitt-Bradford)

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