Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Command Master Chief Evelyn Banks tells Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) personnel that their "expertise and knowledge is paramount for America's freedom" at the annual Academic Recognition Ceremony held at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren campus Sept. 24. View more photos here.
DAHLGREN, Va.—Navy leaders praised 117 Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) awardees for their achievements at the annual Academic Recognition Ceremony held for the first time at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren campus on Sept. 24.
"Your expertise and knowledge is paramount for America's freedom," keynote speaker, Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Command Master Chief Evelyn Banks told scientists, engineers and business leaders who served as adjunct professors at universities and completed academic milestones from professional certifications to associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. "We need you to keep doing what you're doing."
"The graduates we honor today are proof that our commitment to the academic development of our workforce is paying off for both our graduates and NSWC Dahlgren Division," said NSWCDD Commander Capt. Michael Smith. "With their goals met, they will be better equipped to meet the scientific, technological and management challenges ahead."
The honorees and their family and friends listened as the NAVSEA Command Master Chief recited a litany of Pres. Abraham Lincoln's failures prior to his successful 1860 election as President of the United States.
Lincoln's "actions spoke louder than words," she said, adding that he was the only president with a patent.
"I know what it's like to balance work and the challenges our economy brings to us," said Banks, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership. "You've given me hope and the proof to say it can be done. Thank you for letting your actions speak louder than your words."
NSWC Dahlgren employees are balancing their family, work and academic commitments with the help of programs such as the Academic Development and Professional Certification Incentive Program that provides employees a limited amount of time on the clock to pursue academic training.
Maintaining a highly skilled workforce is critical to NSWCDD - the Navy's leading warfare system architect and systems engineer, recognized as the technical leader in delivering innovative, affordable and effective solutions for the Navy, Joint forces, and the nation.
"We recognize the benefits of partnering with our employees to invest in their education in a way that will enable them to meet the ever-increasing demands of rapid technological change," said Capt. Smith. "To achieve this we have developed a strong program to support intellectual development."
In an economy where many employers are reducing or eliminating support for employees to pursue advanced education, NSWC Dahlgren Division remains committed to supporting education opportunities for the workforce and welcomes the opportunity to recognize employees who have reached an academic milestone each September at this annual event.