By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker

NPS Dean of Students Cmdr. Paul Rasmussen welcomed the Summer Quarter’s cohort of future NPS alumni during New Student Orientation in King Auditorium, June 27. The university welcomed 421 new members to the student body this quarter, including 33 international officers from 19 different countries.

“I have one mission here at NPS, and that mission is to be an advocate for you, the student body ...  so that you are able to execute the mission of studying,” said Rasmussen. “I believe that, because of NPS and the Monterey Peninsula, you are in for great tour… This is going to be a great experience for you.”

Rasmussen also pointed out several expectations for new students, most of whom are returning to academia after several years in operational settings.

“I believe that I have the best student body across America. You are all true professionals, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t,” he said. “You know how to take care of yourself, when shown the proper path, and my job is to ensure you know the proper path.”

In spite of the academic challenges that await them, Rasmussen encouraged the new students to use this time to reconnect with their families, or to address issues that may have been put on hold due to previous operational commitments.

Throughout the daylong orientation, students heard from a variety of presenters on the many resources available to them, from medical to legal to the Graduate Writing Center. And if they’re looking for more information, the incoming class and their families were also invited to Naval Support Activity Monterey’s ITT Leisure Fair on the Dudley Know Library Quad, July 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.