VALDOSTA — Dr. Ronald Zaccari, Valdosta State University president, has been honored as one of the 18 elite educators across America by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for his support of VSU’s Air Force ROTC.

Capt. Paul D. McArtor, unit admissions officer, said Zaccari brings recognition to VSU ROTC cadets that he hasn’t seen at other universities.

Zaccari said these are challenging times for our nations, and the university wants to do more to assist the cause of national defense as well as world peace.

“VSU and Air Force ROTC Detachment 172 have enjoyed a long and productive partnership, many of the cadets have achieved distinguished military and civilian careers,” Zaccari said. “VSU is deeply proud and appreciates the sacrifices made by these young men and women.”

McArtor said Zaccari recognizes cadets at a mock commissioning ceremony, bringing them to the front and giving them the oath of office.

Zaccari said the audience takes great pride in witnessing the cadets take the oath of office.

“When the newly commissioned officers are introduced during VSU’s commencement ceremony, there is a sincere, sensitive, and emotional response from those assembled,” Zaccari said.

McArtor said the applause often lasts for minutes, and it serves a two-fold purpose by encouraging younger ranking cadets and rewarding those who are graduating. “The cadets who work the ceremony and see that, I haven’t found one yet who would willingly walk away from the program,” he said.

Zaccari and his staff attend cadet events and include cadets in ceremonies at football games and the Sept. 11 ceremony.

“VSU’s ROTC cadets are some of the finest students on campus,” Zaccari said. “They are usually the first to volunteer to assist with campus-wide programs and events. They are ambassadors for VSU and the United States Air Force.”