Daniel DuBose is an Electrical Engineering major who has earned placements on the Dean’s List, Commandant’s List, President’s List and has received Gold Star awards. DuBose is a member of The Citadel’s Honors program and the Summerall Guards, as well as secretary of Tau Beta Phi and he serves as India Company’s commander. Following graduation, he plans to accept a commission into the U.S. Space Force and attend graduate school to pursue a master’s in electrical engineering. 

Why did you choose The Citadel?

I always grew up hearing about The Citadel, and I wanted to be a part of its legacy and place myself in an environment where I could better prepare myself for the challenges that life brings. Coming here also allowed me to pursue a higher education while also preparing me to serve my country after I graduate.

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

Inside my ring is the Bible verse Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua was the leader of the Israelites, in a time of uncertainty and danger for his people. In this verse, God reminds him to be strong and courageous, helping him lead his people well and on to what God has called them to do. In my life, and as a leader, I am called to be strong and courageous. This applies to my upcoming career as an officer in the Space Force, as well as the responsibility I will bear when I start my family.

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

Looking back, I can’t imagine labeling a singular person as most influential; there are many that have helped guide me and shape me into the man I am today. My mom, dad and fiancée have all been my most enthusiastic and hard-working supporters. Coming here has been a challenge not just for me, but for those around me and in my life as well. Coming to The Citadel requires a huge sacrifice from everyone, and without that I wouldn’t be where I am now. Many of my professors, such as Dr. Mazzaro and Dr. Ragan, have all given me guidance and advice throughout my cadet career, and I have learned a great deal from them.

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

Three things I have learned include how to manage time well, how to lead and care for others and how to practice patience in every aspect of your life. Each of these can be used later in life, and I wouldn’t have developed these skills as much as I did without The Citadel.

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

I think that the challenges and experiences have turned me into someone who isn’t afraid to step up and lead when no one else will, and they taught me how to persevere through some of the darkest times. During knob year I was placed in a radically different environment that I was not used to. Sophomore year, I was given my first responsibility as a corporal. Junior year, I had to figure out how to balance all the different aspects of my cadet career and personal life, and senior year I am charged with the well-being of the members of a whole company. Each year and its challenges have built upon each other, and now I am at the point where my leadership experience here is culminating, and I can look back at all the challenges and adversity I have faced.

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

The people. It’s only when you step away from The Citadel that you truly realize how important your classmates and friends are to you in your life. The bonds you build are unbreakable, and I will certainly miss the daily interactions with the friends I have made.

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

Embrace every opportunity and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is something you can either learn from or ultimately succumb to. Set your priorities straight, and know what you need to focus on, and when to focus on it.

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

I will never forget our first performance as Summerall Guards on Corps Day. Becoming a part of that long-standing tradition and honoring the memory of our late classmate Tripp Williams with our first performance was an unforgettable experience.

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

By always remembering that the ring represents the lessons learned and all the experiences I have been through in my four years here. My senior mentor, Jordan Kish, 23’, told me that The Citadel ring only means as much as you put into it, and that is something that has stuck with me in my time here. For me, the ring will always be a reminder of my friends, experiences and sacrifices that stay with me every day. I am proud to soon wear the ring, and I am a proud member of The Citadel Class of 2026.

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.