Damirelys Perez is a Psychology major. She was born in Pennsylvania and has lived in Japan and Germany. She is captain for the women’s rifle team and has been named

Annika Ford is majoring in biology with a chemistry minor. She is from Fort Mill, South Carolina but was born in Canberra, Australia. She is a Dean’s List and Gold Stars recipient. This year, Ford serves as Palmetto Battery Company Commander.

“Just looking at everything and the improvements that’s been made. I’m glad to say I’ve been here.”

As seen on WCIV – ABC News 4, by Eli Brand “Trust me, I got every bit of it. But because of that challenge, I experienced 24 years ago as

The Citadel African Alumni Association brings the seven women together to be honored Feb. 4 at parade Photo above: The first female African American cadets to graduate from The Citadel

“I grew up in a very small social bubble and because of that, I had a small understanding of what the world had to offer and how other people think.”

Attendees of The Citadel’s military review parade on Saturday were witnesses to tradition and a history-making moment.

Cadet Ashley Ruiz is from Taylor, Michigan. She is a double major in both Intelligence and Security Studies and Political Science.

This year marks the first time both Corps of Cadets from The Citadel and Virginia Military Institute (VMI) are led by regimental commanders who are women.

“Honor, Duty, and Respect are now significantly instilled within me.”