Yale University this week recognized the Air Force, Naval, and Army ROTC graduates who now join the ranks of the U.S. armed services during the annual commissioning ceremony.
During the celebration, held in Battell Chapel following the university’s annual Commencement on Monday, cadets and midshipmen from Yale College’s Class of 2026, as well as graduates from other nearby colleges, including the University of New Haven, Western Connecticut State University, and Quinnipiac, received their official appointments as military officers.
Kylyn Smith '26 (right), a Yale graduate from Columbus, Ohio, was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force.
New officers included one cadet who was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, one candidate who was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, seven midshipmen commissioned as ensigns in the U.S. Navy, 12 cadets commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, and one cadet commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force.
“You are an inspiration to each of us, and I know you will serve our nation well — at a moment when our nation may need you more than ever,” said Col. Les Oberg, the Air Force ROTC commander at Yale. “You’re where you belong. Make us proud.”
Yale President Maurie McInnis (left) congratulates Cory Fan '26, a Yale graduate from Phoenix, Arizona, who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Also pictured are Col. Les Oberg, the Air Force ROTC commander at Yale, and retired U.S. Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
In her remarks, President Maurie McInnis reminded graduates that they are now part of a proud tradition of Yale alumni who have served as military leaders.
“Each of you has answered a call that transcends personal ambition,” she said. “And in doing so, you are now stewards of a legacy spanning centuries, joining generations of Yale alumni who have worn the uniform with courage, integrity, and honor.”
The keynote address was given by Lisa Franchetti, a retired Navy admiral who was the first Naval ROTC graduate ever to serve as Chief of Naval Operations, the highest position in the U.S. Navy. During her career, she commanded at every level and was deployed in every fleet, with nearly 20 years of operational and at-sea experience.
During the ceremony, university leaders also offered gratitude to longtime champions of ROTC who are retiring after many years of service at Yale: Paul Kennedy, the J. Richardson Dilworth Professor of History in Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, who taught the first combined Yale-ROTC course; and Risa Sodi, the longtime associate dean of academic affairs for Yale College and director of the Eli Whitney Students Program, which brings to campus nontraditional students with exceptional backgrounds.
