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.”

“I listened to my dad who said to enjoy the small things at The Citadel because when we look back those are going to be the big things. The past four years will be hard to beat.”

Army leaders have strong intellect, physical presence, professional competence, high moral character, and serve as role models. Lt. Zorn has been recognized for her selfless care within the ‘Thunderbolt’ community.

Angel Johnson — originally from Hanahan, SC — graduated from The Citadel in 2013 with a Bachelor of Art degree in History.

Adrienne Crosby and six of her peers made history in 2002 as the first class of African American women to graduate from The Citadel.