2020 Admiral's Dinner e-Journal

WELCOME

Dear Maritime College Alumni and Friends, Welcome to the Maritime College 2020 Admiral’s Dinner. There is no doubt that the last six months have been extremely challenging. For some, it has been more challenging than for others, and I sincerely hope that each of you and your loved ones have been able to weather the storm, and remain safe and healthy.

While tonight’s dinner is a virtual event, the need for student financial support is real and has never been more crucial. Parents have lost jobs and income, students have had to contribute to the household to make ends meet, and graduation dates have been delayed. I recognize the pandemic has had similar negative impacts for many of our long-time partners and contributors. I am deeply grateful for the donations we have received to date, as well as your participation in tonight’s gala. To all of our sponsors who made this event possible, I sincerely thank you. Your generosity tonight is essential if we are to advance our mission of educating and training the next generation of dynamic maritime leaders. It all begins with our ability to remain consistent in attracting, enrolling and retaining the most qualified applicants. This evening we celebrate the next 100 Years of the Jones Act as we recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of four leaders in the U.S. maritime industry and staunch advocates of the Jones Act: • Mark Ruge, Partner, K&L Gates Law Firm • Jennifer Carpenter, President and CEO of American Waterways Operators • Lindsay Price, Senior Master, G&H Towing • Michael Roberts Senior, Vice President Crowley Maritime Each of our honorees holds an impressive background professionally and their stellar contributions to the U.S. maritime industry can be found on pages 14-17. Although Kim and I will miss sharing time with you personally, I look forward to taking you through a virtual tour of the campus this evening, highlighting the need for student scholarship support, and thanking our generous sponsors and donors. The need has never been greater, and there has truly been no greater time to give. Thank you for all you do to help our students achieve their dreams of becoming the future leaders of the global maritime industry. Best wishes,

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D. President The State University of New York, Maritime College

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