Two Bowdoin seniors and a 2016 graduate were commissioned as officers in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Bowdoin College Chapel Friday morning, May 26, 2017.

Dimitria Spathakis ’16, Joe Lace ’17 and Quincy Leech ’17 took the oath from Captain Jake Nihart, of the USMC’s Officer Selection Team. Also taking part in the ceremony was Gunnery Sergeant Drew Berryman, USMC.

The three newly commissioned officers spoke briefly at the ceremony, giving thanks for family members, friends and the marine community, including each other. Lace paid special tribute to his classmate Leech, saying “now more than ever you are my sister.”

Following commissioning and graduation, the trio’s next stop will be The Basic School in Quantico Va., where they will spend six months studying war-fighting philosophy, the practical application of combat doctrine, and the art of leadership. Spathakis reports there in June, while Lace and Leech begin their training in September.