The Palmetto Medal recognizes exceptional performance reflecting great credit on The Citadel and the state of South Carolina. Established by the Board of Visitors, the award is presented to those whose service to the college or state is particularly noteworthy. With the exception of honorary degrees, the Palmetto Medal is the highest honor awarded by The Citadel.

Three individuals who embody the college’s definition of principled leaders were chosen for the honor this year. Members of the Board of Visitors presented the Palmetto Medal awards during a military Jeep review parade on March 21.

The citations for the award recipients are below.

Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971

The Citadel proudly bestowed the Palmetto Medal in December 2025 upon Mr. Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971, in recognition of his exceptional professional achievements, devoted service to his alma mater, and steadfast commitment to his community, state, and nation. Sadly, he would pass away in January 2026. His Palmetto Medal Award Citation reads:

Following his graduation from The Citadel and subsequent military service, Mr. Baysden embarked on a distinguished 45-year career in banking and financial services. Rising to senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, he was known as a trusted advisor whose integrity and principled leadership guided families, businesses and charitable institutions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Baysden gave generously of his time and talent to civic and charitable organizations across the Carolinas. His support for pediatric cancer initiatives and advocacy for families in crisis reflected a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr. Baysden’s devotion to The Citadel was equally profound. He served in leadership roles with the Charlotte Area Citadel Club and The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and contributed significantly to athletics, scholarships and leader development. A member of The Citadel Legacy Society, the Society of 1842 and the Order of the Tartan, his philanthropy had a lasting impact.

For his distinguished career, steadfast service and embodiment of the values of honor, duty and respect, The Citadel proudly honors Gerald V. Baysden with the Palmetto Medal, presented earlier this year during a private family service before his untimely passing in January.

Cadet Lt. Col. Noah Miller

Cadet Noah l. Miller serves as the 2025-2026 regimental academic officer of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. In this role, he provides leadership to 26 battalion and company academic officer groups and helps coordinate initiatives that support the academic success of the Corps.

Throughout his time at The Citadel, Cadet Miller has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and leadership. A double major in political science and English and a member of the Distinguished Scholars and Honors Programs, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing significant responsibilities.

His leadership extends beyond his regimental duties. He has served as president of the Honors Program, student advisory council and editor-in-chief of the Gold Star Journal, and he has supported cadet development through tutoring and mentorship. He also represented The Citadel as captain of the mock trial team, earning recognition for his preparation and professionalism in competition.

Cadet Miller is committed to service and the well-being of others through civic engagement in South Carolina and volunteer leadership on campus and in the community.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, scholarly excellence and consistent service to The Citadel and South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet Noah Miller the 2026 Palmetto Medal.

Cadet Col. David Ropp

Cadet David Michael Ropp serves as The Citadel’s 2025-2026 regimental commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He assumed this responsibility after progressing steadily through the ranks — from Echo Company clerk and company drill master to 5th battalion sergeant major and commander of the Junior Sword Arch.

Cadet Ropp has balanced significant leadership roles with a demanding academic schedule. An exercise science major with a chemistry minor and a member of the Honors Program, he has earned consistent recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List, received gold stars and been selected for the Distinguished Scholars Program. He is also a member of the Summerall Guards.

Service plays a central role in Cadet Ropp’s leadership, particularly in the medical field he plans to enter. He has volunteered at the Medical University of South Carolina, completed extensive medical shadowing, worked in a medical office internship and participated in The Citadel’s Kenya medical camp in Nairobi, demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, academic excellence and dedicated service to The Citadel and the people of South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet David Ropp the 2026 Palmetto Medal.