On September 6, 1966, a young black man from Charleston by the name of Charles DeLesline Foster made history when he broke the color barrier to become the first African American to join the Corps of Cadets. In the nearly 50 years since his graduation, his achievement represents an important milestone in the college’s history, and he stands as an inspiration to cadets of all colors about the importance of perseverance.
Featured Stories
The First Class
In a stirring reminiscence, author and alumnus Kevin Hazzard remembers how the Class of 1999 marked a break from the past.
When The Citadel Chooses You
The Citadel has had an enduring presence in Bailey Richardson’s life for as long as she can remember, but it was not until she was at a football game her junior year in high school that she realized how much the military college meant to her.
The Four Pillars
The Citadel has long been known for producing leaders of principle, a tradition that goes back to 1843, when the first cadets reported to the original campus on Marion Square. In the 176 years since, the college has remained steadfast in its ability to develop leaders, a process that begins with the Four Pillars of learning— character, academics, military and fitness.
Character
Learning Through Engagement
The participants in the summer SUCCEED program devote eight weeks to working with high-risk youth in a variety of settings. This summer they collectively served more than 5,000 hours with high-risk youth in 16 community settings.
Academics
The Plastic Breakdown
As plastic pollution continues to spiral out of control and have an alarming impact on the environment, the need for hard data about the damage caused by plastic pollution is more critical than ever.
Military
Earning The Bubble
2nd Lt. Garret Usrey, ’19, was the only Citadel cadet and one of 11 ROTC students from across the country to pass pre-dive school at Eglin Air Force Base.
Fitness
Making The Jump
With the help of The Citadel’s Army ROTC department, Brennan Textor recruited Army contract cadets to participate in a study to investigate the relationship between jumping biomechanical characteristics and performance in the ACFT.
Also in this Issue
The D.C. Experience
In its fourth year, the Career Center’s Citadel in D.C. program has become a popular summer choice for students who want to take advantage of the networking opportunities of The Citadel Club of Greater Washington and earn valuable internship experience in the city where the nation’s hottest debates are taking place.
Cadet’s Mission Provides Clean Water to People in Need
Funes believes engineers can make a difference and create change. Soon to become a first-generation college graduate, Funes is majoring in civil and environmental engineering.
The Legacy of Charles Foster
In the annals of Citadel history, Charles Foster’s story is one of strength and determination. May 2020 will mark the 50-year anniversary of his graduation, and today cadets and alumni continue to celebrate his achievement. We sat down with some of them to find out what his story means to them.