Parents’ Weekend offers a chance for friends and family to visit campus and experience two of the main milestones in a cadet’s career.

The Citadel is officially a KEEN Partner Campus, making it the first senior military college or academy to be given that distinction. Along with more than 50 other schools, this program will bring new collaboration, faculty development, and funding opportunities for The Citadel’s faculty, cadets and students.

Annika Ford is majoring in biology with a chemistry minor. She is from Fort Mill, South Carolina but was born in Canberra, Australia. She is a Dean’s List and Gold Stars recipient. This year, Ford serves as Palmetto Battery Company Commander.

“It is up to men and women graduating from this school, who truly care about it, to continue its lasting legacy and remember those who have come before us. The ring connects us in this special way as a class and with our distinguished alumni. It’s the best way to wrap the prestigious history of this institution into one meaningful object, ” said Blake Giles.

While the future alumni are proudly wearing The Citadel class ring, they will also be carrying a piece of history from past alumni with them.

Relatives and friends of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets will be welcomed to campus during The Citadel’s annual Parents’ Weekend on Friday, Oct. 7 – Sunday, Oct. 9.

The President’s List, awarded for academic and military excellence, is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel.

Gold stars are awarded each semester to cadets and students who have earned a grade point ratio of 3.7 or higher.

The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours with a GPA of 3.20 or higher.

The first day of classes is especially important to three Ukrainian cadet-recruits who arrived on campus as part of the Class of 2026.