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In 1981, Sulzer was called up to establish Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Department of Naval Science. “Having fulfilled my reserve requirements, I continued in the Navy,” says Sulzer. “I ascended the ranks to Captain, finishing my career as Commanding Officer of the USNS Comet transporting Marines to the Persian Gulf in 2003. My nephew, Ian Sulzer ’13, a third-generation Maritime graduate, serves with the Navy in Bahrain.” Sulzer has also taught at the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School, USMMA, and SUNY Maritime. In addition to working with the family company, Art’s industry positions included Vice President of Operations for Sea Line Company and Manager of Industrial Relations for Keystone Shipping. Art proudly cofounded Philadelphia’s Maritime Academy Charter School in 2003. MACS engages over 800 Grade K-12 students annually, several of which have since graduated from Maritime. Sulzer also founded the Maritime Primary and Secondary Education Coalition (MPSEC), nationally promoting K-12 maritime education. In 2012, Sulzer earned his Doctor of Education at University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, President Obama appointed Sulzer to the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation where he continues to serve. In addition to “three aces”, Sulzer shares developed friendships with my teachers like Professor Femenia ’64 and Captain John Hagedorn ‘67, and former students like Professor Joe Ahlstrom ’79.” Eight years ago, Art started The Ancient Mariners, for which, he explains, “Membership requires only a connection to Maritime, love of the sea and being a good shipmate. We gather annually for an adventure somewhere in the world. It’s the best example I know of the family that Maritime has created out of many different individuals across generations.” what he believes is the trump card: “I’m part of the Maritime family. I’ve

Dr. Sulzer offers three pieces of advice to Maritime students:

Plan for your next job. Listen and learn from others in that role now.

Accept challenges. Don’t stay comfortable. Don’t stay where you’re unhappy. Walk through that next door.

Stay connected to your teachers and classmates. They’re your greatest career resource.

At the 2013 Commencement l(l-r): Capt. John Hagedorn ’67, Dr. Art Sulzer ’74, Kevin Tokarski ’84, and Sulzer’s nephew Ian Sulzer ’13. Hagedorn was Chief Mate aboard TSES IV and V when Sulzer was a cadet, and Sulzer was Chief Mate on TSES V when Tokarski was a Chief Cadet Officer. Ian is the third generation Sulzer to graduate SUNY Maritime and serves in the U.S. Navy in Bahrain. Dr. Sulzer served as Engineering Watch Officer aboard TSES VI when Ian was a cadet.

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