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Jerry St. Pé, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of Litton Industries, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast’s commencement ceremony May 9 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
Southern Miss Provost Robert Lyman granted St. Pé his hood to indicate the doctoral distinction. "Throughout my professional life I have been blessed with many humbling experiences and opportunities,” said St. Pé. “To be recognized in such a way by The University of Southern Mississippi is both humbling and overwhelming.” St. Pé has been recognized and honored multiple times for his work as a community leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For his service to America’s naval shipbuilding, St. Pé received the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award by the Navy League of the United States, the league’s highest honor. “Having my name associated with a university whose values and vision have enriched our quality of life in so many ways will make me forever mindful to hold this degree with the respect and dignity its leadership and faculty - past, present and future - deserve,” he said. “I proudly accept this honor on behalf of the many mentors who have had a positive influence on my life." Maj. Gen. Paul F. Capasso served as commencement speaker. Capasso serves as director of the Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems for the U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He is the former commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. Capasso told the 220 graduates in attendance that the most precious gift is freedom, and because it is not free, it must be cultivated like a garden with attention and care. “Your future and your children’s future depend on the principle of freedom,” Capasso said. “Keeping the torch of freedom shining bright is what keeps this country alive.”
Jerry St. Pé, front, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of Litton Industries, is awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the university’s commencement ceremony held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum May 9. Southern Miss Provost Robert Lyman, back, granted St. Pé his hood to indicate the doctoral distinction. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Charmaine Schmermund)About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast .
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