The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) honored 400 students earning 412 graduate degrees during the 2013 Summer Quarter Graduation Ceremony held in King Auditorium, Sept. 27.

Presiding over a graduation ceremony for the final time was NPS alumna and departing Interim President, Rear Adm. Jan E. Tighe, who after welcoming the graduates and their families acknowledged the work of faculty and staff in preparing the graduates.

“Before I introduce our guest speaker, there are a few groups of people I would like to recognize,” said Tighe. “First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge our faculty and staff that made this graduation possible. Your passion and commitment to this institution and to our students is profound and very appreciated.”

Tighe also thanked the assembled graduates’ families and friends for their support.

“You share in today’s success by being a part of our students’ lives, and supporting them to achieve their educational goals,” she noted. “Your role is often overlooked or understated, but today would not be possible without your sacrifice, love and support.”

Tighe also made a point to recognize the Navy families impacted by the tragic events at the Washington Navy Yard only days prior. The Summer class had its own direct connection to the tragic events, with Naval Sea Systems Command personnel graduating through one of the university’s distance learning programs participating in the graduation ceremony. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Navy Yard families during these difficult times,” she said.

Following Tighe's remarks, Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Director, Navy Staff and an NPS telecommunications systems management alumnus, took the podium to address the graduating class, which coincidentally included his own son, Lt. Richard Hunt Jr.

“I would first like to acknowledge Rear Adm. Tighe for the terrific job that she has done as interim president over the last year,” said Hunt.

He went on to offer his own praise to the university’s faculty and staff for a job well done throughout the transition that has taken place on campus over the last year.

“I’d also like to thank the support and professionalism of the entire NPS staff and faculty during this period,” Hunt said. “You have insured that the Naval Postgraduate School has continued to excel as one of our nation’s leading higher education institutions.”