Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, delivered the commencement address to the University of Portland Graduate School on May 2.

Speaking to graduates receiving doctorates, master’s degrees and graduate certificates, Brunson framed their next chapter in terms of stewardship and service. He told them the world would not measure them by their grade-point averages but by how they treated those who had nothing to offer in return.

He closed with a charge built on the university’s Pilot identity.

“To the University of Portland’s Class of 2026: A Pilot doesn’t just steer when the water is flat. A Pilot is defined by how they handle the surge. Don’t lower your standards. Raise your level of service. Once a Pilot, always a Pilot,” Brunson said.

Brunson leads the tri-command headquartered in the Republic of Korea.