LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Southern College honored distinguished alumnus Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick on Friday, Oct. 16, with the dedication of the College’s Army ROTC building in his name. The celebration continues Saturday, Oct. 17, with the second annual Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick JROTC Raider Competition, welcoming 22 high school teams from across Florida to Florida Southern.
Through a generous gift, Kerrick is supporting significant renovations and equipment upgrades for Florida Southern’s Army ROTC Moccasin Battalion. The investment will enhance training facilities and resources for future military officers and leaders. In recognition of his generosity and distinguished service, the facility will be named the Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick Building.
“Lieutenant General Kerrick represents the very best of Florida Southern College and the extraordinary impact our graduates can have on the world,” said Dr. Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College. “From his distinguished service to our nation at the highest levels of military and civilian leadership to his continued investment in our students, his life exemplifies the values of leadership, character and service that define our institution.”
A 1971 graduate of Florida Southern College, Kerrick was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. His distinguished military career included combat assignments in Southeast Asia and Operation Desert Storm, as well as senior leadership positions in military and national security operations. In 2000, he was appointed Deputy National Security Advisor to the President of the United States. He also served on the U.S. Balkans Peacekeeping Delegation, which helped negotiate the historic Dayton Peace Agreement ending the war in Bosnia.
Among his numerous military honors are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. Florida Southern has also recognized Kerrick with its Distinguished Alumni Achievement and an honorary Doctor of Diplomacy degree.
The celebration continues Saturday as the College’s Army ROTC Moccasin Battalion hosts the second annual Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick JROTC Raider Competition. The event will bring together 22 high school teams to compete in five challenges testing physical endurance, discipline, leadership and teamwork, including a 5K run, One Rope Bridge, Cross Country Rescue, Tire Flip and Physical Team Test.
Teams will compete in male, female and mixed divisions, with awards recognizing individual challenges and overall performance. The annual competition also introduces high school cadets to the educational and leadership opportunities available through Florida Southern’s Army ROTC program.
“Leadership is developed through experience, discipline and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits,” said Lt. Col. Harry Dingle, professor of military science at Florida Southern College. “The Raider Competition gives young cadets an opportunity to put those principles into action. Lieutenant General Kerrick’s remarkable career exemplifies that commitment to leadership and service, and his investment will help us continue developing future generations of leaders.”
Established in 1951, Florida Southern’s Army ROTC Moccasin Battalion has a longstanding tradition of preparing students for military service, with alumni including nine general officers and numerous distinguished military and civilian leaders.
The building dedication and statewide competition celebrate Kerrick’s legacy of service while advancing the College’s commitment to developing future leaders.
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SOURCE Florida Southern College
