By Kenneth A. Stewart

NPS graduates applaud after remarks by guest speaker and NPS alumnus retired Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr. during the Winter Quarter Commencement Ceremony in King Auditorium, March 27. Alvarez was the first aviator shot down during the Vietnam War and the longest held POW in North Vietnam. He was inducted into the NPS Hall of Fame following his remarks.

"[NPS] has always been recognized as a world-class institution with a world-class faculty, but for me it was also home," said Alvarez. "Having grown up in this area, I remember my parents and grandparents pointing out these buildings, especially the Hotel Del Monte and saying, 'If you work hard, study hard, and get rich, someday you can stay there' … and here I am."

NPS was Alvarez' first assignment after returning from Vietnam. He was welcomed back to the institution and region by members of his namesake Everett Alvarez High School color guard.

"First of all, I'm overwhelmed. Seeing the color guard from the high school that was named after me makes me feel very proud," said Alvarez.

Throughout Alvarez's commencement address, he drew upon lessons learned from mentors and friends like famed Rear Adm. James Stockdale and former Mississippi Congressmen Sonny Montgomery, for which the Montgomery G.I. Bill was named. He also spoke about the importance of character, and challenged the assembled students to be leaders.

"A manager tells you what you are supposed to do, a leader inspires you to do it," explained Alvarez..

"Have you ever heard anyone say, 'take me to your manager?" Alvarez quipped. "No, it's take me to your leader. My experience tells me that leadership is really all about character."

Alvarez also noted the important work that many of the assembled graduates may be called upon to do in the future.

"The work you are doing may be critical and is absolutely vital to the security of this country. You will be called upon to lead, and you will be given opportunities to draw upon the skills that you have sharpened here," said Alvarez.

NPS honored 334 graduates from 17countries earning 335 advanced degrees during the ceremony.