Three major events in one weekend highlight the spirit of The Citadel

Citadel Recognition Day 2018 Oath Ceremony

The leadership symposium, Corps Day and Recognition Day come together in one momentous March weekend

Every spring, three of the most important events at The Citadel all happen in the same weekend. The 12th Annual Principled Leadership Symposium, Corps Day and Recognition day for The Citadel Class of 2022 will all take place March 27 – 30.

12th Annual Principled Leadership Symposium: Empowering Others and Building Bridges
March 27 – 29

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Principled Leadership Symposium brings together the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, Citadel graduate students, around 70 college student delegates from regional institutions of higher learning, senior military colleges and the federal service academies, faculty, staff, alumni and other special guests. The symposium will run from Wed., March 27 – Fri. March 29. The 2019 theme is Empowering Others and Building Bridges.

The symposium, planned by the college’s Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics features leadership learning opportunities through distinguished leader panels presented by The Citadel’s five schools, presentations by notable speakers, and high-impact presentations by cadets and students on their research, civic engagement, and international education experiences.

Speakers this year include:

  • John Tecklenburg, mayor of The City of Charleston
  • Michael B. Moore, president and CEO of the International African American Museum
  • Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski, U.S. Navy (Retired), Medal of Honor recipient
  • Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben , U.S. Navy (Retired), 26th chief of chaplains
  • Brian Hicks, columnist and author of In Darkest Carolina, the story of Judge Waits Waring and the effort to desegregate public schools in America

Registration for the symposium can be found by clicking here.

Corps Day and Recognition Day:
March 29 – 30

Celebrations for the 176th birthday of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets will coincide with the same weekend as Recognition Day, when freshmen cadet candidates are officially recognized as members of the Corps of Cadets after meticulous training exercises. That process begins with what is known as The Gauntlet and culminates with a march to Marion Square and the iconic Freshmen Oath Renewal Ceremony.

Corps Day is one of the most highly attended events at the college and Recognition Day is one of the most important events in the life of a cadet. This year, Recognition Day will actually be separated into two days.

Events include:

Friday

5:15 p.m. The Gauntlet begins Summerall Field Open to Citadel community and media
6:30 p.m. Victory lap, recognition, battalion cookouts Campus, barracks Closed to public, open to media by request in advance

Saturday

8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Open barracks, pipe band performs in each barracks All five barracks Open to public and media
8:30 – 9 a.m. The Citadel Rifle Legion performance Summerall Field Open to public and media
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Summerall guards perform, exchange of rifles, presentation of Anthony Griffin Sword and Club Award Summerall Field Open to public and media
11 a.m. Citadel Dress Parade, Palmetto Medals Presentation Summerall Field Open to public and media
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Recognition Lunch with special guests Coward Hall Closed to public and media
2:30 p.m. March to Marion Square Downtown Charleston Open to public and media
2:45 p.m. The Citadel Story performed by the Regimental Band Marion Square Open to public and media
3:00 p.m. Class of 2022 Oath Renewal, includes Washington Light Infantry Key Exchange Marion Square / “Citadel Green” Open to public and media

Sunday Religious Services
March 31

Summerall Guard Exchange Rifles
Summerall Guard Exchange Rifles

The Recognition Day activities conclude Sunday, with a variety of optional religious services for cadets and their visitors, both on and off campus. For a complete list of options and contact information, click here.