NPS Celebrates 2024 Summer Grads in Grand Sept. 27 Commencement at King Hall Auditorium

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) celebrated its 2024 Summer Quarter graduates on Sept. 27 at King Hall Auditorium, with Dr. James Newman delivering the keynote address. Among the graduates were 202 students, including 27 international students from 10 countries. Newman, acting vice president, provost, and chief academic officer of NPS, is a former NASA astronaut and previously chaired NPS’ Space Systems Academic Group.

“Graduation is a key life passage that underscores the achievement of learning and emphasizes the importance of lifelong education,” Newman said. He acknowledged the collective effort of the NPS community, military services, and various countries in ensuring the students’ success.

Newman also highlighted international cooperation, drawn from his NASA experience and a recent lecture by retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis. “In my NASA career, I worked with many outstanding officers and astronauts from around the world. General Mattis recently emphasized the importance of allies, aligning with my belief in shared commitments across military and civilian sectors globally,” he noted.

NPS President Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau echoed this sentiment. “Allies are our most crucial asset. None of us are as strong as all of us,” Rondeau stated. She highlighted the success of the NPS Regional Alumni Symposium in Singapore and the upcoming symposium in Garmisch, Germany, marking the ongoing collaboration with European partners.

Estonian Land Forces Maj. Ivo Peets, a Summer Quarter graduate, received his certificate in Advanced Acquisition Studies. His time at NPS, part of an Estonia-international collaboration, has already impacted his work. “We’ve started implementing new force planning and acquisition strategies in Estonia,” Peets said. “My NPS experience has been invaluable and will continue to benefit my future work.”

The ceremony followed the 100th graduating class from the NPS and Naval War College (NWC) partnership on Sept. 19, having produced over 7,100 Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I certified students since 1999.

Newman shared personal anecdotes from his four Space Shuttle missions, while emphasizing the graduates’ future impact. “Your accomplishments at NPS matter,” Newman said. “The critical thinking skills and advanced education you take back to your communities are vital.”