�������

When Gerardo Rosa ’25 and Celindalis Batista ’25 were selected for the Army’s Green to Gold program, they came to the University of Tampa’s ROTC program with one goal in mind: furthering their education. In the end, they left with both a degree and a spouse.

Rosa, previously a dental sergeant, graduated May 10 with a master’s in social and emerging media. Batista, who had been a supply sergeant on active duty, graduated with a bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice.

Rosa and Batista met in their first week at �������ampa, in August 2023, at orientation for Green to Gold students, soldiers who would transition to ROTC for the duration of their degree programs. After orientation, the two cadets went to Armature Works for dinner with a mutual friend from ROTC. The dinner fell on Rosa’s parents’ 30th wedding anniversary, and they joined the three students.

“The first time I met him, I met his parents, too, so I think that was kinda funny,” said Batista.��

“We got along from the first day,” said Rosa. “After that, we literally saw each other every day.��Even if we wanted to get away from each other, we couldn’t because we had to see each other in classes. So I guess it kinda worked out,” Rosa said.

Between physical training, ROTC labs, training events and classes, Rosa and Batista formed a close friendship. They would hang out with friends or meet up for meals just the two of them for breakfast before PT or lunch before classes.

“You go through a lot of things that people wouldn't understand (in the military). And having someone that understands what you go through and is actually there with you to go through that, I think that helps a lot,” Rosa said.

By the end of spring, they were officially dating; by Thanksgiving, they were engaged.

Whether it was due to their shared cultural background, mutual fluency in Spanish or years of military experience, people from the program noticed immediately how well they worked together — and it wasn’t just their fellow cadets.

“Wow. What a match in heaven that was,” said Jose Ramirez, the HR Technician of Military Science, who introduced the couple. “They give me full credit!”

Their instructors were supportive, too, despite it being rare for ROTC students to get engaged and marry. Rosa said they took it better than expected.��

“They're both very humble,” said Adrian De La Cruz, a senior military science instructor. “They're both very dedicated, just good people overall.”

Rosa said the professionalism and maturity in �������ampa’s ROTC program goes beyond the basics of military training. Everyone there cares and is committed to teaching, he said, and Batista said the program develops students into leaders while maintaining a family atmosphere — she felt they were always helping each other.

Rosa and Batista married in December, during their final year at �������ampa, and now, through the Married Army Couples Program, the newly commissioned second lieutenants are headed to Hawaii, where they will continue their service.

“I know that all the people (in the program) are a phone call away. I know in the future whenever I need them, they'll be there,” said Rosa. “I’m gonna miss Tampa.”