In front of the Bowdoin Chapel on Friday morning, two graduating seniors were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. James “Gibson” Hartley ’16 and Brendan Lawler ’16 took the oath of office from Lawler’s father, Ltn. Col. John Lawler, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.).

Following the commissioning and graduation, Lawler and Hartley will attend The Basic School in Quantico, Va., where they will study war-fighting philosophy, the practical application of combat doctrine, and the art of leadership.

Brendan Lawler spoke at the ceremony, thanking his friends, family, coaches, professors, and fellow marines for all their support. “We cannot have accomplished our goal of becoming marines without your encouragement and help along the way,” he said.

Hartley also thanked relatives and friends for supporting the two students in pursuing a career that comes with danger and sacrifice. “As you know, this is not a profession that is the safest out there, and to our parents and family, faculty and friends, we wanted to acknowledge that and thank you for accepting a bit of the sacrifice as well,” he said.