General Paul Nakasone

The 16th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture with Gen. Paul Nakasone

Gen. Paul Nakasone, a 1986 Saint John’s University graduate, presented the 2022 Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, located on the Saint John’s University campus. The four-star general and White Bear Lake, Minnesota native is currently serving as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service.

Nakasone graduated from SJU with a degree in economics and received his commission in the Army through the ROTC program.
Nakasone has held command and staff positions across all levels of the Army with assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Prior to assuming his present duties, Nakasone served as Chief of U.S. Army Cyber Command from October 2016 thru April 2018. Nakasone served twice as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, among other awards and decorations.

Nakasone discussed the approach taken by U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA in overcoming the evolving cyber challenges posed by the 2022 midterm elections and more broadly.