2009 Outstanding Graduate, Daniel Spagone

Daniel Spagone

2009 Outstanding Graduate

Charleston, South Carolina

...he found distance education the most military-friendly way to learn

Commander Daniel Spagone proudly completed his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Program with the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in September of 2008 and assumed full command of the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, SC, that December.

His three decades of service show a patriot's devotion to his country and a love of learning. Dan was an Honor Student and was twice "Sailor of the Year," from submarine Electrician's Mate on to Surface Warfare Officer School Command as Director of Engineering and Material Readiness, and Curriculum Instructional Standards Officer.

But it wasn't always this way. Born into urban poverty and a 10th-grade drop-out, Dan was invited to live with the family of a Salvation Army minister on condition that he go back to school and attend church. Thus he graduated from high school and went to college on a scholarship. However, he joined the Navy before finishing his degree.

"I was asked why I was working so hard for a degree I didn't really need for career advancement. My answer was always the same--I take college courses to better myself, not my career. Struggling through the process of coursework completion makes me a better person, father, husband, and Naval Officer. If you want a better career, make a better you."