NAS Sigonella Holds College Graduation

By Janine Scianna/NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station Sigonella held a graduation ceremony for 47 service members and civilians in the NAS I Chapel May 17.

Of the graduates, 23 earned associates degrees, 16 earned bachelors degrees, and seven earned masters degrees, all from nine different schools. One person earned a high school diploma.

Jay Oshiro, NAS Sigonella’s Navy College Office representative, gave opening remarks and Cdr. Patrick Moran, executive officer of NAS Sigonella, delivered the graduation address.

Graduates await conferral of their degrees

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Karl Schonberg

A graduate receives her degree

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Karl Schonberg

Moran highlighted the many demands and sacrifices required to successfully complete a degree while also serving fulltime in the Navy.

“You managed to balance time supporting a family with the rigorous demands of course work. No one asked you to give up scarce family time, or needed personal time, or in some cases a full or part time career. But you made the sacrifices and the effort, sometimes balancing a career and a family along the way,” said Moran.

Through the Navy’s Tuition Assistance program, the Navy can supply up to 100% of tuition and fees, not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour for 16 total semester hours every fiscal year. Schooling opportunities are extensive at NAS Sigonella, with branches of University of Maryland University College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Central Texas College all located on base. Many more opportunities can be found via distance learning.

A self-proclaimed college dropout prior to entering the service, graduate ABH2 Olga Perozocarrero was able to recalibrate her ambitions while serving active duty. She will finish out her Navy career soon with a bachelors degree in criminal justice in tow.

“There were times I wanted to take a break or quit, but since I’m separating from the military, I wanted to take full advantage my education benefits,” said Perozocarrero. “If I can do it, anyone can too.”

In addition to service members, many family members of service members also earned their degrees. For Robin Richmond, a former Sailor herself and now a military spouse, she said the road to receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology has been long but rewarding.

“It is such an exciting thing to check off my to-do list,” said Richmond. “In today’s busy world, I genuinely enjoy learning at my own pace. Not going fast, but far.”

For more information on earning your degree or using Tuition Assistance, visit www.navycollege.navy.mil.