Five Columbia Graduates Commissioned as Officers in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps

In a testament to Columbia’s strong relationship with military veterans and current service members, the University held a commissioning ceremony for five recent graduates on May 22, 2025 at Low Memorial Library. 

Among the five commissionees was Isaiah Nagelkerk ‘25GS. After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008, he served as an Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) Asset Manager from 2009-2016 in Iwakuni, Japan, and later worked as a recruit in Atlanta, Georgia and as the IMRL Chief at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1). In 2021, he was accepted into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), a pipeline for outstanding enlisted marines to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS), earn their college degree, and then receive formal commission upon graduation.

“When considering my options for schools, finding a student body that I would fit in with was a top priority,” shared Nagelkerk. “While here, I’ve made friends with people for all ages and walks of life. The people are my favorite part of Columbia.” 

As a GS student, Nagelkerk served as Director of Communications for MilVets, pursued a degree in computer science, and as a part of MECEP, remained on active duty. “One of the reasons I chose to be a Marine was because I didn’t have the discipline/drive to finish college when I was 18,” shared Nagelkerk. “My experiences in the military have definitely helped me when it comes to managing the stress that school brings. Being a part of the MilVet and GS community made it easy to find friends with both shared and different life experiences.” After commissioning, Nagelkerk will serve a four-year obligation with the Marine Corps. 

Alongside Nagelkerk, the other commissionees included Milana Rodriguez ‘25CC, William Culver ‘25SEAS, and Daniel Sanchez ‘25SEAS who will be embarking on various roles in the U.S. Navy, and Elena Casas ‘25SEAS, a now-commissioned nuclear submarine officer in the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 (STA-21) program.

Attended by Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch ‘90GS, Dean Josef Sorett of Columbia College, and Dean Shih-Fu Chang of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the ceremony began with a performance of the national anthem and an invocation from University Chaplain Jewelnel Davis. “Your willingness to stand up for peace, to step forward for human rights, to protect the sovereignty of nations, and to bravely serve the dynamic and ever-evolving needs of the global village keeps our complex, fractured world safer and stronger,” said Chaplain Davis, addressing each commissionee by name. “We welcome today with prayers of gratitude all of the Columbia communities who have and will assume the responsibilities of military service.” 

After a moment of silence honoring current and past service members, including those who have given their lives in service, Captain Dennis Farrell, commanding officer of the New York City Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, spoke to the stories of each commissionee in turn, sharing anecdotes and accomplishments that distinguished each incoming officer. Speaking about Nagelkerk, Captain Farrell noted the particularly challenging and rare path Nagelkerk has followed as a master sergeant directly commissioning to the Marine Corps. 

Following Captain Farrell’s remarks, each undergraduate Dean spoke about their school’s commissionees. “Isaiah’s story exemplifies the very mission on which our school was founded,” shared Dean Rosen-Metsch. “We could not be more proud that since 1947, when GS was established to serve G.I.s returning from World War II, we have proudly welcomed veterans and service members, nontraditional students who bring experienced leadership and perspective that strengthens every classroom, every discussion, and community they join. Today, GS enrolls more student veterans than the rest of the Ivy League combined.” 

She added, “We also hold a special place in Columbia’s military history. The very first student commissioned into the U.S. Navy following the return of NROTC to Columbia after a 41-year hiatus was a GS student.” Dean Rosen-Metsch continued, “That historic commissioning marked not just the return of NROTC, it reaffirmed the unique role that GS plays in creating pathways to leadership for enlisted service members. Isaiah joins this great tradition today, and adds to it with his own unique contribution.” 

After the presentation of several special awards—including a New York Council of the Navy League award to Nagelkerk in recognition of superior military achievement and leadership—each commissionee took the oath of office and was officially commissioned.