Kings Point to present honorary degrees

Kings Point to present honorary degrees The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will present honorary degrees on Monday to two New Jersey men who have been advocates for the academy and merchant mariners.
   Kenneth DeGhetto, of Livingston, a 1943 graduate of Kings Point, is former chairman of the board of the engineering company Foster Wheeler Corp., and has spearheaded a number of fundraising campaigns at the school to benefit students.
   George Searle, of East Brunswick, served in the merchant marine during World War II and the army during the Korean War. He has been a major proponent of recognition for World War II merchant mariners, and was one of the founders of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association.
   Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a presidential candidate, will give the keynote address. Also in attendance will be U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters and U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton.
   At the ceremony, 213 students will graduate, including six from Republic of Panama. Valedictorian Felix Ayarza Becerra, is a Panamanian student.