Eighteen University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets are scheduled to commission as second lieutenants in the Army and Army National Guard at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

"These new officers have completed a rigorous journey in our Corps of Cadets. They have excelled as part of this first-class leadership laboratory," Col. Ed Bankston, professor of military science, said. "We know they are prepared to lead their fellow soldiers in the months and years ahead."

Leamsi Galindo, a Hiram, Georgia, resident who is earning a degree in interdisciplinary studies, will become a second lieutenant in the Georgia Army National Guard. She said one of the best parts of the Corps of Cadets has been the ability to learn how to manage her stress while under pressure.

"That helped gauge where I am as a leader and see what I could improve and build upon," Galindo said.

Jeremiah Norman, a Colbert, Georgia, resident who is earning a degree in criminal justice, wanted to join the Army since he was a child. The Corps of Cadets has helped make that a reality.

Norman has studied abroad in Italy and interacted with a variety of international cadets who visited UNG.

"The Corps has opened a lot of doors. I've gotten to meet great people from all over the United States," Norman said. "It's allowed me to travel and meet people from all over the world."

He also appreciates UNG's setup that allow cadets and civilian students to learn together, a contrast from the nation's service academies and some of the other senior military colleges.

"It makes us more well-rounded in being able to deal with people and make connections," Norman said.

Dylan Green, who is from Chicago and is also  earning a degree in criminal justice, served as Leadership Development Program (LDP) commander in 2023-24, helping prepare cadets for Advanced Camp, which they must complete ahead of commissioning. This fall, he is the Headquarters and Headquarters Company executive officer.

Green has been in the Army National Guard both before and during college and will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant this week.

"North Georgia has definitely changed my life for the better," Green said. "It's set me on track far more than I could have ever hoped. I would never have seen myself to be the man I am today without this college."

Lawson Willard, a Kennesaw, Georgia, resident earning a degree in criminal justice with Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, will commission as an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard and is already working full time with the Hall County Sheriff's Office. Willard said leading by example and giving respect are valuable skills he has honed at UNG. He said LDP was his favorite part of the Corps of Cadets.

"It develops you not only as a leader, but as a person," Willard said. "It gives you that aspect of competition and desire and will."

Galindo encourages younger cadets to seek out meaningful relationships.

"It's so important to build connections and friendships. Those people can let you know you're doing well, things you're struggling on. They are people who have the courage to come and talk to you," Galindo said. "That gives you a strong support system both on the military side and for college in general."