Stevenson Legal Studies Major Holds Marine Corps Commissioning in Pugh Courtroom

On Friday, January 31, Legal Studies major Zachary Essamuah was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in Stevenson’s Francis X. Pugh Courtroom. His commissioning is the product of a six-year journey from enlisted Marine to officer. The ceremony was attended by Zachary’s family and friends, as well as Stevenson faculty and staff.

Zachary, a senior who will be graduating in May, specifically requested to be commissioned in the Pugh Courtroom.

“I chose to hold my commissioning in the Francis X. Pugh Courtroom because it was where my journey as a Mustang began,” Zachary said. “Now it has come full circle for it to end where it all started.”

While at Stevenson, Zachary has been an active member of the Legal Studies program’s award-winning Mock Trial, an experience that he says has prepared him for his future career.

“My goal is to become a Judge Advocate in the Marine Corps and to serve in the military for as long as possible,” Zachary said. “My time in the Legal Studies program at Stevenson helped prepare me for my career. It has allowed me to step into the role of an attorney through Mock Trial and has allowed me to study the law before I get into law school.”

Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program, and follow Stevenson’s Mock Trial teams on Instagram. For more news from around campus, follow Stevenson on Facebook and Instagram.