Florida Southern College Names Building for Lt. Gen. Kerrick
The Lakeland campus honored the retired three-star general following his contributions to the school's ROTC facilities.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Military
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Florida Southern College has dedicated its Army ROTC building to retired Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick. The naming ceremony coincided with the school's second annual JROTC Raider Competition held in Lakeland.
Why it matters
The institution honored Kerrick for his distinguished military career and his financial support for facility renovations and training equipment. His investment directly bolsters the resources available to students preparing for military service.
The Raider Competition featured 22 high school teams navigating five physical challenges to test leadership and endurance. This facility dedication follows a donor-funded project aimed at upgrading campus equipment.
The players
Donald L. Kerrick
He is a retired lieutenant general who served as deputy national security adviser and participated in the U.S. Balkans Peacekeeping Delegation.
Florida Southern College
This private college located in Lakeland, Florida, offers an Army ROTC program and hosts annual JROTC competitions for high school students.
The details
The naming honors Lt. Gen. Kerrick, who graduated from the college in 1971 and later served as deputy national security adviser. During the event, the campus hosted multiple teams that participated in events designed to measure teamwork, discipline, and physical strength.
Timeline
1971: Donald L. Kerrick graduated from Florida Southern College.
2000: Donald L. Kerrick was appointed deputy national security adviser.
October 17, 2026: The building dedication and JROTC Raider Competition took place.
Political Context
The private investment and naming of this building follows the structural framework set by the Reserve Officers' Training Corps Vitalization Act of 1964 to maintain and improve military training access. Some critics argue that increasing private influence over military training facilities complicates the public oversight of officer recruitment programs.
The ongoing expansion of ROTC facilities in Lakeland ensures that local students have access to modern, donor-funded equipment for their training. Residents should anticipate continued high school athletic activity on campus during the annual JROTC event windows.
The takeaway
Kerrick's support highlights how alumni can directly influence the quality of collegiate training environments. Students and prospective cadets can view these facility updates as a sign of the university's ongoing commitment to professional development.
Further reading
For more on local military initiatives, visit Lakeland Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Ledger.
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