Quantico’s Voluntary Education Center held a graduation ceremony celebrating more than 400 college graduates July 24, at the Clubs at Quantico.

Marc Cole, a former active-duty Marine who currently serves as an acquisition and procurement advisor at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was the guest speaker. A veteran and Harvard University graduate who balanced multiple deployments and family life while pursuing higher education, Cole told graduates he understands the significance of their accomplishment. However, he encouraged them not to stop there. As they enter a new chapter, post-degree, he challenged them to think about how to use their education to make a difference in the lives of others.

“It’s your obligation to not only get information but to go out and do something with it,” Cole said. “Our world and nation has many pressing issues and we need leaders who can understand and overcome obstacles to accomplish the mission.”

Col. David Maxwell, Marine Corps Base Quantico’s commander, congratulated graduates and thanked the VEC staff and families for their support. In line with Cole’s comments, Maxwell urged graduates to continue learning and passing knowledge on to others. 

“[Think about,] ‘what did I learn today and who did I learn it from? — Who did I teach today and what did I teach them,?’” Maxwell said.

“I encourage you as you go on, that your education doesn’t stop today,” he said.

Parisa Fetherson, program director of Personal and Professional Development, said completing a degree for non-traditional, military students may take six years for some and 30 for others.

“Your graduation is a testament that it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop,” Fetherson said.

The VEC has held graduation celebrations for the past four years, Fetherson said.  The program serves as a vital resource for the base, providing educational services to active duty military member, their families, civilian employees and reservists.