A shared commitment to military learners spans continents and years
Lifelong learners often build bonds that extend far beyond the classroom, make amazing contributions, and help others do the same. This was on display during the Wiesbaden graduate recognition ceremony in Germany on March 5, 2026, honoring military learners from multiple universities.
Patricia “PJ” Jameson, DBA ’24, of University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), delivered the keynote address. Jameson serves as associate vice president and deputy director of UMGC in Europe, headquartered in Kaiserslautern, about 60 miles outside Frankfurt.
Serving those who serve
A first-generation college graduate, Jameson grew up in a military family. Her father served in the U.S. Army, and the family lived on overseas bases. Her upbringing shaped her understanding of military life, and the challenges service members face when pursuing education.
Across a varied career, Jameson has found unique and impactful ways to continue supporting that community. Today she works directly with service members, helping them navigate academic pathways while balancing demanding responsibilities.
“It's nice to continue serving in this way via education, and I absolutely love it,” Jameson said. “I think I have a further reach in terms of supporting more members of the military.”
Celebrating accomplishments, wherever they happen
The Wiesbaden recognition ceremony is hosted annually by U.S. Army Education Center and managed by the Army Continuing Education System (ACES). UMGC has been a primary contributor to the event over the years, and Jameson has been involved in similar ceremonies going back more than a decade.
While this was the ninth such event in Germany, it has roots thousands of miles away.
The first ceremony Jameson took part in was at Bagram Airfield—at the time, the main U.S. military base in northern Afghanistan.
“Soldiers had their military gear on, weapons underneath and a black cap and gown over it in the heat,” Jameson said. “But you know what? Seeing all the smiling faces, the gratitude, the graduates were just so thrilled. We were there on the ground doing this for them.”
Honoring lasting friendships
While in Afghanistan, Jameson met ACES Education Services Officer (ESO) Cris Weisbecker, and the two began a friendship that continues to this day. As it happened, Weisbecker—now ESO in Wiesbaden—was responsible for organizing this year’s Wiesbaden ceremony in early March.
“The ceremony highlights the community coming together,” Weisbecker said. “It's the reason why we are here, to help people get an education. The best thing about my job is the graduation. I think PJ feels the same way.”
When selecting a keynote speaker for the 2026 ceremony, Jameson was the logical choice, as Weisbecker recalled a previous ceremony where Jameson spoke.
“PJ gave such a touching speech,” she said. “The microphone kept going out. She was losing her voice. She came from behind the podium, went right up to the graduates so they could hear her—she was so passionate about education. You could feel her desire and joy.”
Jameson values similar qualities in Weisbecker.
“We immediately connected because we had the same passion for our graduates and students,” she said. “I think that was the unifying common ground. Our teams are everywhere our military is.”
Learning from Afghanistan to Wiesbaden
Recalling their first meeting in Afghanistan, both women mentioned the commitment of military learners and those who teach them.
Jameson was moved by how warfighters in an active combat zone consistently showed up and got classwork done. She marveled at classes held at 11 p.m., following a full day’s duty.
Weisbecker felt the same.
“It really shows you can get an education anywhere,” she said.
On March 5, as Jameson shared thoughts on her journey, which "included sacrifices—long nights, and moments of doubt," she reiterated the worthiness of the challenge.
Jameson credited community support, from friends like those in attendance, as well as family and educators, “whether onsite or online, in deployed locations such as the Middle East, here in Germany, or at other sites around the globe."
She concluded, "Your education has done more than earn you a degree—it has strengthened the skills you use every day."
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