"During my reserve duty, I realized

                                Pruitt enrolled at HSSU in 2008. He

News Harris-Stowe State University FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 1, 2011 Harris-Stowe State University's ROTC Program to Commission its First Army Officer on December 7, 2011 WHO: Nicholas Pruitt is the first HSSU student in the history of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Gateway Battalion to be commissioned into the U.S. Army. The Army ROTC program develops leadership, management and training skills. Those who sucessfully complete the program earn a commission. Pruitt, who will graduate from HSSU in December, was selected for active duty and will become a full-time, commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. WHAT: After serving as an enlisted member of the Army for more than 12 years, Nicholas Pruitt recognized his true passion was to become a commissioned military officer and have the opportunity to lead. To accomplish this goal, Pruitt enrolled as a student at Harris-Stowe State University and participated in the University's ROTC program. "During my reserve duty, I realized military service was what I wanted to pursue as my life-long career," Pruitt said. "To become a commissioned officer in the Army, I needed to have a bachelor's degree. Harris-Stowe State University was the perfect choice to allow me to achieve both of my dreams. I was able to pursue my educational goals, as well as be involved in the University's ROTC program." Pruitt enrolled at HSSU in 2008. He will graduate this December with a bachelor's of science degree in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies. Pruitt, with his wife and children by his side, will be commissioned on December 7, 2011 as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. Following his commission, Pruitt will attend the Transportation Corps Basic Officer Leader Course at the U.S. Army Logistics University in Fort Lee, VA. After completion, Pruitt and his family will be stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. WHEN: The commissioning ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 6 p.m. Both Army and HSSU personnel will participate. WHERE: The ceremony will take place in the Bank of America Theatre at the Emerson Performance Center on the HSSU campus, 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103. CONTACT: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 McCallC@hssu.edu ATTENTION MEDIA - Photo and interview opportunities with Nicholas Pruitt are available for this event. Please contact the Harris-Stowe State University Communications Department at (314) 340-3391 to arrange. # # # Courtney Z. McCall Assistant Vice President Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Harris-Stowe State University Ofc: (314) 340-3391 I mobile: (314) 280-9964 I fax: (314) 340-3575 web: www.hssu.edu <http://www.hssu.edu/> **********************Harris-Stowe State University********************** This e-mail is confidential and sent only to specified recipient(s). However, all e-mail is subject to possible interception by third parties. *************Contact postmaster@hssu.edu to report problems**************