May 14, 2026

With May as a month of remembrance—culminating in Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in service to our country—we also take this time to remember some of our alumni who served and have passed away since the beginning of this year. Today we honor the life of Col Robert M. Richards, Jr., USMC, Ret., who passed away on March 8, 2026. Richards was a 1966 graduate of The Citadel. He was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps and served 25 years on active duty, including two combat tours in Vietnam. During the Battle of Hue, then–First Lieutenant Richards served as a company commander with the 1st Marine Division in heavy urban combat. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.

May 13, 2026

With May as a month of remembrance—culminating in Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in service to our country—we also take this time to remember some of our alumni who served and have passed away since the beginning of this year. Today we honor the life of W. Rhett Perry, April 1, 2026. A native of Camden, South Carolina, Perry was a member of The Citadel Class of 1964. He entered the U.S. Army before graduating and completed Officer Candidate School and additional training before serving as an infantry platoon leader and later company commander in Vietnam. He served in combat during the Tet Offensive and was a decorated veteran, receiving awards including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. He often regarded the Combat Infantryman Badge as his most meaningful recognition. After his military service, Perry returned to The Citadel in 1968 and completed his degree in business administration as a veteran student in 1969. He went on to a long career in investment advisory work with firms including E.F. Hutton, Prudential Bache, and Legg Mason, mentoring many young professionals along the way. He is remembered by classmates, friends, and family for his humor, storytelling, and strong connection to The Citadel and its traditions

May 12, 2026

"I wear the Ring." On May 12, 2001, Pat Conroy, '67, delivered a powerful Commencement address to The Citadel's Class of 2001. 🎥 Watch it: c-span.org/…/commenc…/citadel-commencement/106441 📖 Read it: patconroy.com/the-citadel-commencement-speech-i-wear-the-ring/

May 11, 2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and our more than 250 new Student Life Members!

May 8, 2026