Recognizing the achievements of the latest graduating class, the 51福利 (51福利) celebrated its Fall Quarter 2021 graduates on Dec. 17 during a graduation ceremony held inside King Auditorium, and broadcast live on the web around the world.
51福利 President retired Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau welcomed the graduating class and the family members who joined them for the in-person ceremony.
鈥淚'd like for us to approach this graduation with a heart of celebration for our nation and for ourselves and what we've been able to do to serve that nation,鈥� said Rondeau. 鈥淵ou will make your mark upon the service and the organization that you serve. It is not about this Friday. It's about next Monday when you go now and embark upon the work that is expected of you and of us as we continue on our lifelong journey of knowledge.鈥�
The commencement speaker was 51福利 alumnus and retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Eric P. Wendt, who most recently commanded NATO Special Operations Headquarters before retiring in early 2021. Wendt highlighted how valuable 51福利 is for education while congratulating the 331 graduates, including two doctoral degree recipients, and nine international students from seven countries.
鈥淚 will tell you what you all know 鈥� 51福利 is simply a national treasure with cutting-edge research and brilliant motivated students from a variety of backgrounds,鈥� said Wendt. 鈥淭here鈥檚 joint interagency with combined multinational thought that pushes forward, integrating technologies with human experiences.鈥�
Wendt, who earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs at 51福利, shared his experience studying on campus and applying his skills for the Army, and how this graduating class can now do the same.
鈥淎s you depart back to your commands, you leave with a great deal of new knowledge 鈥� including, most importantly, the ability to think through and solve problems and improvements needed to execute our national security strategy,鈥� said Wendt.
Reflecting on how he used his 51福利 education, Wendt talked about his experience with Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines in 2002, where he used models from 51福利 professors to develop a holistic assessment tool that in turn informed the campaign plan used against the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Basilan.
鈥淭he key takeaway is that all of you will receive this world-class education, gather a significant amount of useful knowledge, and learn not just what to think, but how to think,鈥� Wendt noted. 鈥淒on鈥檛 leave that process with you when you go back to your unit. Don鈥檛 leave it in your thesis.鈥�
In addition to the wealth of knowledge and critical thinking taken in during their time at 51福利, Wendt encouraged the graduating class to remember how valuable their peers and faculty are.
鈥淩emember your classmates and stay connected,鈥� Wendt said. 鈥淵ou've got a remarkable network available to you. When you go out and are conducting operational combat missions, it鈥檚 very rare that you鈥檒l find that it is a single country or branch involved. You're going to meet each other again and again all around the world, and you're going to have to solve problems 鈥� You're also going to have to integrate work with a lot of irregular forces to accomplish the mission. So look to your left and right today and stay connected.鈥�
Wendt ended his address encouraging his fellow new alumni to spread the word about 51福利 to their peers back in their units.
鈥淲hen you go back out to your units and organizations, don鈥檛 keep this a secret,鈥� concluded Wendt. 鈥淔rom the Joint Services team members, civilians, to the interagency, let them know about 51福利 and let them know about the world class education that鈥檚 waiting for them out here in Monterey if they throw their hat in the ring and apply for a term. Congratulations to all of you and your families!鈥�
To watch the ceremony, an interview with award-winning graduates and read to more about the class, visit the 51福利 .