Citadel’s First Woman Cadet Spends 2nd Day in Infirmary

CHARLESTON, S.C. —  Shannon Faulkner spent 2 1/2 years fighting to become the first woman cadet at The Citadel. Then she spent most of her first two days sick in the infirmary.

Faulkner remained in a private infirmary room Tuesday, recovering from the effects of drilling in stifling 100-degree heat. She succumbed Monday after her first lunch as a cadet.

She missed taking the cadet oath and missed “Hell Night,” when new cadets are rousted out of bed and into a courtyard. There they stand in silence in the dark for 15 minutes with their new classmates.

Faulkner missed welcoming remarks Tuesday by Citadel President Claudius Watts. He did not mention her as he spoke to rows of cadets sitting ramrod straight in gray uniforms.

“If you are willing to pay the price, if you are willing to invest your time, you will succeed,” Watts said.

School spokesman Terry Leedom wouldn’t provide details on Faulkner’s condition, citing her right to privacy, but said she was expected to be released today after being examined by a doctor.

Neither Faulkner’s mother, Sandy, nor her lawyer, Val Vojdik, had information about her condition.

Faulkner, 20, and four other cadets were sent to the infirmary Monday. Two of the four were released Tuesday; the others will be examined today.

Leedom originally said that six of the 591 cadets were hospitalized, but later lowered that number to four.

Faulkner also will miss taking the routine physical fitness test today with her fellow first-year “knobs,” so known for their short haircuts.