As marketing major and ROTC Cadet Matthew Lawrence prepares to graduate from Ship and commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army on May 7, he reflected on his Ship experience and how it prepared him for what’s next.

“The College of Business and ROTC program are both stellar. The ROTC program has continued to finish in the top third of our brigade and the College of Business has a proven track record of connecting students with internships and employers,” said Lawrence.

But it’s not just these two programs that made his time at Ship special. As a transfer student, he was inspired to become a mentor in the College of Business’s TIE (transition, integration and engagement) program. The program is designed to aid transfer students in the College of Business transition to life at Ship. Each transfer student is paired with a volunteer mentor for their first semester. Lawrence served in the program for three years.

He was also active in Catholic Campus Ministry and a member of the Men’s Rugby Team, an organization that provided him with his favorite moment at Ship.

“My favorite Ship memory was playing in my first Frostbit Tournament for the rugby team,” he added.

Thankful for all of the Ship memories, Lawrence will set off on his next adventure as he heads to Fort Benning, GA for Armor Basic Officer Leader Course.