CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

On behalf of the DGA Selection Panel, heartiest congratulations to the awardees. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your energy, passion and success in your respective vocations. And thank you for your contributions to the Naval Academy and its mission. You have made a tangible difference. Your families deserve a special shout out—we are, indeed, grateful to them for supporting each of you.

Selecting today’s honorees from a field of accomplished alumni was challenging and humbling. The Naval Academy is richly blessed to have so many accomplished graduates. While each journey was different, all of today’s honorees began their careers here at this great institution which continues to serve as a foundation of service, leadership and character for our Nation.

My thanks to the selection panel and to the Naval Academy and Alumni Association and Foundation staff for planning and executing today’s ceremony. I especially want to thank those selection panelists who served for three cycles and are rotating off the panel: Vice Admiral Jan E. Tighe ’84, USN (Ret.), Matice J. Wright-Springer ’88 and George P. O’Garro ’05. Finally, to the Brigade, our alumni and guests: Thank you for joining us for this special event as we celebrate the extraordinary lives of our fellow graduates.

Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. ’78, USN (Ret.) Chairman, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award Selection Panel

Program

ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY

PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND NATIONAL ANTHEM

INTRODUCTION OF THE 2023 DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

NARRATOR

Midshipman Grant Booker ’23, USN Class President

IN MEMORIAM AND INVOCATION

Captain Maurice A. Buford, USN U.S. Naval Academy Command Chaplain

WELCOME AND REMARKS

Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy

PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD MEDALS

Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy

Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III '78, USN (Ret.) Chairman, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees

Midshipman Michael F. Castellanos '23, USN Brigade Commander

Remarks

Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients

“NAVY BLUE AND GOLD”