KU ROTC cadets receive commissions into Army

LAWRENCE — Three cadets from University of Kansas Army ROTC received commissions into the U.S. Army during a live virtual commissioning ceremony from the Pentagon on Friday, June 12.

Participating in the National Commissioning Ceremony are Cadets Joseph Lippoli, Tristan Robertson and Payeton Sellon.

Cadet Joseph Lippoli is from Leawood. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. Growing up, Lippoli always knew that he wanted to serve his community and country. He said he was fortunate to have several role models, all with military backgrounds, which led him to join the Army ROTC program at KU. He will serve as an infantry officer on active duty.

Cadet Tristin Robertson is from Olathe. Robertson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She always wanted to serve in the Army; at first, it was to follow in her father's footsteps, she said. She also knew it was something she could do that would improve herself and those around her. She will serve in the Army Reserves.

Cadet Payeton Sellon is from Olathe. Sellon graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “I wanted to travel the world and be a part of something that is bigger than myself.  The Army will give me a job experience like no other career,” Sellon said. Sellon will serve on active duty as a military intelligence officer.

Other Class of 2020 Jayhawk Cadets receiving their commission into the U.S. Army:

Austin Armstrong, of Monument, Colorado; bachelor’s degrees in economics and history, University of Kansas; Army National Guard, Field Artillery

Sujan Basnet, of Leavenworth; bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing, University of Saint Mary; Active Duty, Quartermaster Corps

Patrick Clark, of Leavenworth; bachelor’s degree in communication studies, KU; U.S. Army Reserves, Quartermaster Corps

Garret Griffin, of St. Charles, Missouri; bachelor’s degree in communication studies, KU; Active Duty, Adjutant General Corps (Branch Detail: Infantry)

Matthew Harbison, of LaPorte, Illinois; organizational behavior and personnel management, KU; Active Duty, Ordnance Corps (EOD)

Mackenzie Kelly, of Holton; human services, Washburn University; Army National Guard, Military Intelligence

Kenna Miller, of Osage City; nursing, Washburn University; Army National Guard, Army Nurse Corps

Tucker Morris, of Troy; bachelor’s degree in human biology, KU; Army National Guard, Medical Service Corps

Ryan O’Neil, of Overland Park; bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences, KU; Army Reserves, Aviation Corps

Jared Schultz, of Lenexa; bachelor’s degrees in history and secondary level education, KU; Army National Guard, Field Artillery

Madelyn Sink, of Ottawa; bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences, KU; Army National Guard, Medical Service Corps

Tatyana Turner, of Kansas City, Kansas; bachelor’s degree in psychology, KU; Army Reserves, Adjutant General Corps

Alden Vogel, of Overland Park; bachelor’s degree in economics,  KU; Army National Guard, Medical Service Corps.

The Army ROTC National Commissioning Ceremony livestreamed event is available here.