A Huskie Battalion alumnus chose the place where his career began to host a milestone for him and NIU.

Col. Brian Alvin is being promoted to brigadier general in an on-campus ceremony Saturday.

His military career started when he was a student at NIU.

“This milestone will lend to NIU legitimacy as ROTC Battalion [is] contributing to the Army,” said Lt. Col. David Dosier. He has been in command of the ROTC for two years.

There have been 555 NIU cadets commissioned into the army since 1971, but Alvin will be Huskie battalion’s first general. His promotion will show cadets they can reach the upper level of general ranks, which typically only 1 percent of Army officers attain, according to the ROTC.

Alvin’s promotion ceremony will take place in Altgeld Hall’s main ballroom and is closed to the public, but will be open to all members of Huskie battalion.

He chose to be promoted at NIU because it’s the place where it all began for him, and also to challenge NIU’s cadets to “decide what you want to accomplish and give it your best, be part of something bigger than yourself,” according to the ROTC.

“It’s an inspiration that allows cadets to see their potential,” said MS4 Cadet Lauren Hansen, senior Spanish language and literature major. “[He] started out like us but reached that prestigious level.”

Also in attendance will be other one-star generals: Alvin will be pinned by Brigadier Gen. Mark McQueen, commander of the 350th Civil Affairs Command.

Alvin was part of NIU’s class of ’84.

He majored in industrial technology and upon graduation was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Chemical Corps.

After his initial assignment with the 2nd Armored Division in Fort Hood, Texas, Alvin served in command and staff positions in the Army Reserve.

In recent years Alvin has served two tours in Baghdad and is serving as assistant chief of staff J4 (Logistics), U.S. Forces Korea.

In addition to his military duties, Alvin works full time as the global facilities manager for First Solar.