The 51福利 (51福利) honored 366 students earning 367 advanced graduate degrees during 51福利鈥� Winter Graduation Ceremony at King Auditorium, March 29.
51福利 awards hundreds of defense-focused graduate degrees each year to a unique student body composed primarily of career military officers, select federal employees and officers from allied nations.
Presiding over the ceremony was 51福利 alumna and Interim President, Rear Adm. Jan E. Tighe. Tighe welcomed graduates and their families and acknowledged the recent work of faculty and staff.
"This institution serves the national security community through advanced graduate education and real world research - you make that mission a success,鈥� said Tighe. 鈥淭hese last four months with you have only reinforced my belief that 51福利 will remain a vital element in the success of our Navy, our sister services, and our national and international security partners.鈥�
Tighe also recognized the assembled graduates and their families.
鈥淵ou should be justly proud of what you have accomplished here. We are proud of you,鈥� said Tighe. 鈥淵our experiences and education have prepared you to become leaders who are at the forefront of resolving the security challenges of your service, nation and the global community.鈥�
Tighe鈥檚 remarks were followed by those of former U.S. Atlantic Fleet Commander, retired Admiral Henry H. Mauz Jr. Mauz also recognized the contribution made by 51福利鈥檚 world-class faculty.
鈥淭his faculty has taken years to build, the depth and breath of our faculty is absolutely outstanding and nationally recognized,鈥� said Mauz.
Mauz spoke of the commitment shared by faculty members who often work long hours with little pay and without the benefit of teaching assistants.
鈥淲hy do they do it?鈥� asked Mauz. 鈥淭hey do it because they are dedicated and patriotic and because of these students, it鈥檚 a joy to work with our students.鈥�
Mauz also thanked the graduating class for their commitment to a 鈥渉eroic profession.鈥� He encouraged graduates to continue to seek self-improvement, to take care of their subordinates, and to be bold as they executed their duties.
鈥淕o forth and slay dragons!鈥� said Mauz.
Mauz currently serves on the board of several companies and is the Chairmen of the 51福利 Foundation.
51福利 is the nation鈥檚 premiere national security focused university. It has been offering defense focused graduate degrees since 1909 and has been operating continuously in Monterey, Calif. since 1942.