Commencement 2007 - Villanova University

Nursing Alumna Commissions NROTCBY IRENE BURGOReturning to her alma mater,Rear Adm. Christine M.Bruzek-Kohler ’74 Nur. commissionedthe NROTC Classof 2007 on May 18. TheNavy’s top-ranking nurse, she serves asdirector of the Navy Nurse Corps and chiefof staff of the Navy’s Bureau of Medicineand Surgery. As commissioning officer,Adm. Bruzek-Kohler urged the Villanovansto “Continue to hone your skills to createefficiencies, foster change and stimulateinnovation as you are the future leaders inour global knowledge economy.”The NROTC Class of 2007 was commissionedinto the U.S. Navy and U.S.Marine Corps in the Villanova Room ofthe Connelly Center. At the ceremony,23 classmates were commissioned into theNavy and six into the Marines, and twomore will be commissioned into the Navythis summer.Prior to the afternoon ceremony, themidshipmen, families and friends attendedthe Commissioning Mass, celebrated by theRev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., ’75 A&S,University president, at the St. Thomas ofVillanova Church. The liturgy concludedwith the singing of the Navy Hymn, “EternalFather, Strong to Save.”Afterward, in the Villanova Room ofthe Connelly Center, families, friends,alumni, faculty members and guests gatheredto welcome the NROTC Class of2007. The Villanova Band, led by musicdirector John Dunphy, played selectionswith a military theme. A color guard ledthe academic procession of the officialstage party, including faculty and administrators,down the center aisle. The midshipmenin their dress uniforms enteredon the command of Marine GySgt. DonaldMoeller and took their places in thefront seats.Marine Col. Glenn L. Wagner, commandingofficer of the NROTC Unit andprofessor of naval science, welcomed theguests. The Distinguished Midshipmanaward was presented to Ens. Brian Gaspar’07 M.E.Adm. Bruzek-Kohler served as thekeynote speaker and also administeredthe oath of office to the midshipman.In congratulating them, she said “Asyou transition from midshipmen to officerand from student to graduate, thisweekend marks the beginning of a newphase of your life.”The admiral shared some fundamentalprinciples of successful naval officers. “Thefirst principle, ‘Lead by Example.’ Successfulleaders motivate through inspiration,stimulate intellectually, and give individualizedconsideration for needs and goals.They are accountable to those in authorityand to those they lead,” she said.“Next principle, ‘Embrace LifelongLearning.’ You will experience invaluablelife lessons from those you lead and fromthose you follow that will give you insightinto interpersonal relationships, communicationand self-awareness as a leader. Somecall it ‘soft skills,’ others call it ‘emotionalintelligence.’ By whatever name, it is theability to understand and manage your ownfeelings and motivations, and understandand empathize with the feelings of others.With strength in this area, you will besuccessful in effectively handling interpersonalinteractions, conflict resolution andnegotiations. Your formal education willnot stop at graduation, but will continuethroughout your military career....“The third principle, ‘Commitment,’is pledging oneself to a certain purposeor line of conduct—having a sound setof beliefs and a faithful dedication tothose beliefs with your behavior,” Bruzek-Kohler said. “The Navy describes commitmentas the ‘care for the safety,professional, personal and spiritual wellbeingof our people. Show respect towardall people without regard to race, religionor gender. Treat each individual withhuman dignity. Be committed to positivechange and constant improvement.Exhibit the highest degree of moral character,technical excellence and competencein what we have been trained todo. The day-to-day duty of every Navy“Your Navy family began on the first day you put on the uniform of a midshipman.”—Rear Adm. Christine M. Bruzek-Kohler ’74 Nur.The newly commissioned officers gather for their official class portrait.man and woman is to work together as ateam to improve the quality of our work,our people and ourselves.’“The final principle is ‘Caring for OneAnother.’ Your Navy family began on thefirst day you put on the uniform of a midshipman.Your Navy and Marine Corpsfamily also includes your family here todayand those waiting for you at home.…Today, the number in your Navy family issmall. Tomorrow, the number will growlarger than you can possible imagine. Theyare now part of your life and will be thereat your side…. I am confident that each ofyou will be outstanding Navy and MarineCorps officers and will do well in your firstand future assignments.”28 Villanova Magazine