Hillsdale College graduates commissioned by U.S. Marine Corps

Staff report
·2 min read

Hillsdale College congratulated three graduates for their commissions to the U.S. Marine Corps. In conjunction with the college’s commencement ceremony, the students’ achievements and willingness to serve were honored at an outdoor ceremony at the Civil War Soldiers’ Monument on May 7.

“The Commission and Oath of Office are required by the Constitution — Articles II and VI, respectively,” said Peter L. Jennings, associate professor of management and former Marine infantry officer. “It is striking to me that in a Constitution otherwise focused on the main objects and broad powers of government, the Framers took care to specify the requirements of the commission and oath.”

Second Lieutenants Grant Boyes and Spencer Woodford were commissioned at the ceremony. Boyes was also recognized as Outstanding Senior Man.

Second Lieutenant Elaine Townley was unable to attend due to a softball game and was commissioned on campus Monday morning, May 9. She is the recipient of the 2021 Commandant’s Trophy, awarded to the top Platoon Leader Class honor graduate.

“We are gathered here not only to celebrate, but also to witness what Grant, Spencer, and Elaine are about to do,” Jennings said, then spoke briefly about the meaning of both the commission and the oath and what it means to hold an office. “You are not just making a commitment to do something; you are making a commitment to be something. You must be an officer worthy of your Commission — competent, courageous, patriotic, and, most importantly, faithful.”

The graduates are as follows:

  • Grant Boyes, of Springboro, Ohio, was part of the rugby club, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership honorary, the Federalist Society, and the A Few Good Men and Military Mentorship GOAL programs while on campus. He was Resident Advisor in Simpson Residence for three years, including as Head RA his senior year, and worked as a student ambassador and a monitor at the Fine Arts Building.

  • Elaine Townley, of Carnation, Washington, played softball all four years, starting at third base for her last three seasons. Last year Townley received second-team all-conference, and this year she received first-team all-conference. Townley was also a member of the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in both mathematics and economics.

  • Spencer Woodford, of Chandler, Arizona, was involved in GOAL programs including A Few Good Men and Military Mentorship while on campus. Woodford took command as program leader of Military Mentorship his senior year and was a Resident Advisor in Simpson Residence for three years.

Second Lieutenants Grant Boyes and Spencer Woodford were commissioned at the ceremony May 7.
Second Lieutenants Grant Boyes and Spencer Woodford were commissioned at the ceremony May 7.
Second Lieutenant Elaine Townley was commissioned on campus May 9.
Second Lieutenant Elaine Townley was commissioned on campus May 9.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Community