Lindenwood student and Army ROTC Cadet Isaac Jacquez was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG). To earn this accolade, Jacquez ranked in the top 20% of Army ROTC graduates nationwide, maintains high academic achievements, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and successfully completed ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Ky.

“I’ve always wanted to serve my country. I came to Lindenwood to wrestle and found the opportunity to commission in the army while still being able to compete,” Jacquez said. Originally from Aurora, Ill., he part of the Gateway Battalion, comprised of students from Lindenwood University, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and University of Missouri St. Louis.

“Gateway Battalion’s distinguished military graduates have shown exceptional potential within the classroom, the field environment, and most importantly through their leadership of the Battalion. These are cadets who have consistently upheld the Gateway Watch Words of academics, respect, courage, and honor throughout their time in the Army ROTC program,” ROTC Public Affairs representative Kayla Greene said.

A member of the University’s wrestling team, Jacquez balances school, ROTC, and the demands of an NCAA sport. Jacquez will graduate from Lindenwood University in May with a degree in criminal justice and sociology, complemented by minors in psychology and military science. Upon commencement, Jacquez will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.