The College of Southern Maryland will celebrate its 10th winter commencement at its La Plata Campus, Jan. 15, with commencement speaker Rear Adm. Steven R. Eastburg, program executive officer, AIR ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.
In August 2008, Eastburg along with CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried signed an Education Partnership Agreement to provide opportunities for students to explore and work toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers through mentorships and programs with NAVAIR scientists and technicians. The partnership goal is to increase interest in STEM fields for students from grade four through college.
A native of Cherry Hill, NJ, and a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering, Eastburg completed flight training school and was assigned to an air anti-submarine squadron in San Diego. Following training in the S-3A Viking, Eastburg was deployed to the Pacific, Western Pacific and Indian Ocean aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Ranger.
Back in California, Eastburg completed master's degrees in systems management from the University of Southern California and aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. In addition he received the Test Pilot School diploma.
Eastburg arrived in Patuxent River as the project officer at Force Aircraft Squadron November 1990. Following an assignment as chief test pilot at the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eastburg later served as the squadron's commanding officer, as program manager for Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, and as deputy program executive officer for Assault and Special Mission Programs.
He was named commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and assistant commander for research and engineering, Naval Air Systems Command in 2006.
Currently Eastburg serves as Program Executive Officer, Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.
Eastburg's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
CSM, founded in 1958, is the fifth largest community college in Maryland. In its 50-year history, the college has grown to be the centerpiece of Southern Maryland becoming an integral part of the community it serves with campuses in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties and more than 22,800 annual enrollments. From a first graduating class of four in 1960, the college today has celebrated more than 16,000 graduates.
Winter commencement activities include a nurses' recognition program beginning at 1 p.m., Jan. 15 in the Physical Education Center, with a reception immediately following in the Center for Business and Industry Building, Room BI-113.
The college's commencement ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 15 in the Physical Education Center. A reception will follow the ceremony in the Center for Business and Industry Building, Room B-I113. Flowers will be available for purchase. DVDs of CSM's commencement can be ordered in advance or on the day of the ceremony. Inclement weather date is Jan. 16.