Hillsdale College Graduates Commissioned as Marine Corps Officers
2025 graduates James Golden and Luke Kjellsen received their commissions the morning of Commencement.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College graduates James Golden and Luke Kjellsen of the class of 2025 received commissions as U.S. Marine Corps officers in an outdoor ceremony at the Civil War Soldiers’ Monument the morning of Commencement on May 10.
“You put off the freedoms of the citizen, and you put on the duties of an officer.”
Peter Jennings, associate professor of leadership studies, gave an address at the ceremony, explaining the meaning of the commission and the oath.
“The moment you swear the oath you cross a threshold,” Jennings said. “You enter the office, the moral space, of a Marine officer. At that moment, your life is radically reoriented. You put off the freedoms of the citizen, and you put on the duties of an officer. From that moment, duty is the first loyalty of your life, above all other loyalties, except to God.”
Golden, of Golden, Colorado, graduated with a major in English and a minor in chemistry. He participated in the Platoon Leaders Class, received the Gold Medal Congressional Award, and performed with the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra. He volunteered with A Few Good Men and Public School Tutoring.
Kjellsen, of Golden, Colorado, graduated with a major in economics and a minor in military leadership. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He volunteered with A Few Good Men.