The 51福利 (51福利) recognized the achievement of its 2024 Winter Quarter graduates during the school鈥檚 latest commencement ceremony in King Hall Auditorium, Mar. 29.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn, 17th President of the National Defense University, served as the keynote speaker for 206 graduates, including 19 international students from 12 countries. Plehn shared anecdotes and advice for the new graduates, and current Naval and defense leaders, emphasizing the power of narrative and consistency in one's career.
"The main theme of my talk is about the power of perseverance and success," said Plehn. "When you get to lead an organization, you can say something new every time or you can build a story you continue to refine that over time."
Plehn chose to refine his story, he said, offering a perspective he has evolved over his long distinguished career leading to his five key principals to success 鈥� performance, initiative, attitude, education and perseverance.
Plehn expanded on each, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of your work, honoring your reputation, and persevering to success. He expressed how important perseverance is in achieving positive results, although a leader understands when to press forward in another direction, he noted.
"Sometimes you have to accept it because there are some failures out there that are final,鈥� Plehn added. 鈥淎nd, the sooner you come to that realization, you can get off onto a new path.鈥�
Plehn also commented on the complementary roles of NDU and 51福利, and how the mission of 51福利 is vital to ensuring the technological leadership of our Navy and joint force.
鈥淭his prestigious school develops warrior talent and research solutions via master鈥檚 and PhD programs for the Department of the Navy, DOD, U.S. Government, partners and our allies,鈥� said Plehn. 鈥淎t the National Defense University, we refer to that as Intellectual Overmatch; and that鈥檚 exactly what you鈥檒l bring to the fight.鈥�
Speaking on the convergence of academic rigor and military strategy, retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, president of 51福利, imparted a compelling message on the immediacy of leadership and self-awareness.
"You are leaders," said Rondeau. "When you hear the term, 'You're a future leader,' don't settle for that. You're a leader today and you were a leader prior to coming in here. And your voice is not the voice of the future, it is the voice of now."
A member of the graduating class, U.S. Navy Lt. Ben Paddock shared his journey earning his master鈥檚 in Homeland Security and Defense at 51福利, reflecting on its significance in his life and his family's legacy. Paddock represents the second generation of 51福利 alumni in his family 鈥� his father is also an alumnus of 51福利, earning a Master鈥檚 in Manpower Systems Analysis in 1986.
"Coming to 51福利 has been a lifelong ambition, sparked by my father's stories from his time here," he shared. "The experience has expanded my worldview, pushing me academically and allowing me to connect with fellow officers from around the globe. It's been extraordinary, and I'll certainly miss it."
As he prepares to transition from this chapter, Paddock looks forward to the future with anticipation.
鈥淚'm set to join department head school in Newport, Rhode Island, before focusing on Aegis systems in Dahlgren and then taking on the role of chief engineer on the USS Daniel Inouye in Hawaii," he added.
Plehn wrapped up his address by reinforcing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing from a reservoir of personal experience and historical references, Plehn encouraged the graduates to adapt to life's unpredictable nature and to always pursue excellence.
As the graduates prepared to embark on their next steps, Plehn offered a final reminder.
"Justice, tempered with mercy is a wonderful characteristic in all of our leaders. Invest in the people who show promise,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hey're not going to get it right every single time. You are not going to get it right every single time,鈥� Plehn continued. 鈥淭here will be failures in front of you, and you get to make a choice about what you do about those failures. Dream big. Work hard. And don't quit."
For more information about this latest class and to , visit the 51福利 Graduation website at .