Graduation ceremony celebrates academic achievements of families

Graduations are one of life’s happiest moments. They serve as a milestone, as one completes an academic journey and moves ahead to the next chapter. From a kindergarten graduation to one from college, the sense of accomplishment and pride.

For service members and their families, the celebration is marked by also overcoming challenges such as deployments, absent loved ones and juggling multiple roles. To mark their achievement, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune held the 23rd annual Commanding General’s Off-Duty Voluntary Education Graduation Ceremony at the base theater, June 1. For those graduating, this day was a special occasion.

“I was born in Europe and earning my degree in the United States is a great accomplishment,” said Bianna Worscher, Department of Defense employee. “I feel very proud and can now go use my degree to help others.”

The event celebrated the completion of degrees from associates to doctoral. The graduates were comprised of active-duty, veterans, DoD employees and family members.

“I retired from the Army and completed my bachelor’s degree and now I am getting my master’s in Information Technology,” said retired 1st Sgt.Rich Santiago, graduating student. “I had the opportunity during my service but not the time; there was so much going on throughout the world. After I retired, I jumped right into the education program and now here I am today.”

Schools including Coastal Carolina Community College, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Webster University and Campbell University were among those represented with graduating students and attending administrators.

“It is a thrill to be here,” said Col. Michael Scalise, ceremony officiator. “You have service members from different branches. Many of them completed their degrees while working and have put a lot of equity into this. It is a pleasure to be sharing this day with them and their families and you can feel the excitement.”

Anticipating also filled the atmosphere as soon-to-be graduates waited to receive their earned degrees.

“This is very exciting and it is wonderful that they have this opportunity locally for us to celebrate this day with our family and friends,” said Allison McAlister, Liberty University graduate.

Students marched decked out in graduation robes and regalia. The day served as a reminder for all of the hard work that went into the achievement as well as looking forward to the future.

“I am a veteran,” said retired Marine Corps CWO 3 Gail Gatewood. “The fact that they would take time out to recognize the hard work of all the military-affiliated personnel is amazing and I am grateful.”