MARION — There has always been a unique relationship between Marion Military Institute and Judson College. The two institutions share teachers, staff and sometimes coursework.

But until Essence Ambers’ ROTC commissioning as a second lieutenant into the Army National Guard, one of those unique partnerships was left unused for 13 years.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Ambers, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Judson on June 26. “I am just honored to have had a chance to go through the commissioning ceremony. It has been a dream come true.”

“It is a big deal,” said 1st Lt. Tamara Brewer, assistant professor of military science at MMI. “We have had several in the program that have graduated from Judson, but she is the first in 13 years that we have had commissioned from Judson.”

Ambers said she was aware of the partnership between the two schools, but was unable to begin her freshman year.