Thadeus O’Neill is a secondary education major with a focus in social studies. He has received placements on the Dean’s List, Commandant’s List and President’s List. O’Neill is a member of the Junior Sword Arch and, following graduation, plans to accept a commission into the U.S. Marine Corps.

Why did you choose The Citadel?

I chose The Citadel because I knew I wanted to go to the Marine Corps and I wanted a military college experience. So, when I found The Citadel, I knew this was the college for me.

What is engraved on the inside of your ring and what is its significance?

Inside my ring is my name, USMC and Psalm 56: 3-4. I chose USMC because I will be a Marine and that is very important to me. Then I have the Bible verse, Psalm 56: 3-4, which is “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” This quote has stuck with me since knob year. It helps me remember that God is always there for me and I will get through all the hard times, because He is with me.

Who was the most influential person in your life that impacted your journey?

My father is the most influential person in my life. He has helped shape me into a young man and has always pushed me to be better. My father is extremely humble, so to have someone like that to help me on my journey to get here has been something truly special.

What are three things The Citadel taught you that you will continue into your life and career?

The Citadel has taught me a lot of lessons. The three most important ones to me are: teamwork, determination and curiosity.

How do you think the challenges and experiences at The Citadel have shaped the person you are today?

I believe The Citadel has helped me become a better man and taught me lessons that I will be able to take with me to the Marine Corps and my personal life later down the road.

What will you miss the most about your time at The Citadel?

I will miss the culture of The Citadel. The people here are always pushing one another to get better. The friends I have made here will be my friends for the rest of my life. I know I can rely on my classmates if I am ever in need of help later down the road.

If you could go back and give advice to your freshman self, what would you say and why?

I would tell him to attack everything at 100%. Every day is a chance to learn and get better, just because you’re a knob does not mean you can’t be a leader.

Do you have a unique moment from here that you will never forget?

I will never forget the experience that I had with my classmates during knob year and my time training for the Junior Sword Arch. These experiences helped me go past my limits and create that bond with my classmates that some people do not get to experience.

How will you bring a positive meaning to the legacy of the ring?

I hope I will bring positive meaning by the way I carry myself and by my actions throughout the future of my life. I hope that when people see an alumni wearing the ring, they think of someone with integrity and someone they can rely on in a time of need.

About The Citadel Class of 2026’s ring stories

Members of The Citadel Class of 2026 receive their rings on Friday, Sept. 19. Before getting their rings, some seniors spoke about the event’s significance with Cadet Emma Moore, the Regimental Public Affairs Officer for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Moore is from Akron, Ohio and has a double major in Intelligence and Security Studies and Spanish. She is a member of Sigma Delta Pi, a national Spanish honor society. After graduation, Moore hopes to conduct counter-narcotic operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration.