During Friday’s parade on Feb. 13, two Citadel cadets were each presented with an esteemed award. Cadet Lt. Col. Lucy McArthur was awarded the Society of the Cincinnati Medal and Cadet Lt. Col. Olivia Liquori was presented with the General Douglas MacArthur Cadet of the Year Award.
The Society of the Cincinnati Medal is given every year to the senior cadet officer who best exemplifies the combined qualities of a good soldier and good citizen, characteristics that were evident in the patriots who fought to win American’s freedom.
This year’s award was given to Cadet. Lt. Col. Lucy McArthur, who has excelled throughout her tenure as a cadet.
A resident of Somerset, Kentucky, double majoring in Intelligence and Security studies and English, McArthur has distinguished herself in academics, fitness and leadership, earning Gold Stars seven semesters, Dean’s List seven semesters in a row, as well as recognition on the President’s List, and Commandant’s List multiple times. McArthur earned the prestigious Rotary Global Ambassadorial Scholarship to study at Cambridge University in London next year. A member of both the Honors Program and Distinguished Scholas Program, she has been recognized with numerous fellowships and awards for academic excellence. Last year, the senior cadet leaders in the Corps of Cadets selected her for the William G. Williard award for the most outstanding cadet leader in the junior class.
As a cadet, McArthur served in multiple leadership positions from cadre corporal, and battalion clerk, as a sophomore. As a junior, she was the Regimental Command Sergeant Major, and now in her senior year, McArthur serves as first battalion commander in the Corps and concurrently leading on the Ethics Bowl team and The Citadel Inn of Court Pre-law Society. McArthur’s superior performance, initiative and leadership exemplify the ideals of the society and The Citadel.
The Medal of the Society of the Cincinnati Award bears the name of a Roman farmer, Cincinnatus, who left his farm to take up arms and fight for his city. A successful general, he was an acclaimed dictator, but chose instead to return to civilian life. The officers who served in the Continental Army formed the Society. Their charter members included George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette. The South Carolina chapter, established in 1783, is one of the six original state societies that have been in continuous existence since that time.
The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation presents the MacArthur Cadet of the Year Awards to the most outstanding cadets from the 12 colleges and universities comprising the Association of Military Colleges and Schools.
This year, Cadet Lt. Col. Olivia Liquori was presented the prestigious award.
From Newton, New Jersey, Cadet Liquori is a criminal justice major with minors in English, psychology, and statistics earning Gold Stars and Dean’s List every semester of her cadet career, while also earning President’s List, and Commandant’s List honors four times each. As a distinguished military graduate, she was recognized for exceptional leadership both at Army ROTC’s cadet summer training as well as within The Citadel’s Palmetto Battalion. Her exceptional performance academically is highlighted by her recognition with numerous academic awards, grants, and scholarships. Liquori exhibited superior leadership and bearing throughout her cadet career, holding leadership positions of increasing importance each year. As third battalion Sergeant Major, Liquori established a reputation as a firm but fair leader among peers, subordinates, and superiors. Her superior performance and dedication also led to her selection as the second Battalion Commander – a job she approaches with an unrivaled work ethic and contagious positive attitude. Liquori is a member of The Citadel Honors Program, and The Citadel’s Distinguished Scholars Program.
The objective of the General Douglas MacArthur Cadet of the Year Award is to encourage the students of the member institutions to emulate the qualities exemplified by General Douglas MacArthur when he was a cadet at the West Texas Military Institute and the United States Military Academy at West Point. The award is given to the senior class cadet at each of the schools with the most soldierly performance with consideration for academics, athletics and leadership in accordance with the standards of each respective institution.
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Upcoming News from The Citadel – February 2026
