Fort Schuyler_2023_Fall_web

2023 ADMIRAL’S DINNER RAISES RECORD-BREAKING One Million FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

T he sun set perfectly over the New York City skyline on September 19, as over 500 Maritime College alumni and friends gathered at Marina del Rey in the Bronx to raise a historic $1 Million for student scholarships. The annual celebration drew a vibrant crowd of community partners and proud alumni for an evening of networking and camaraderie capped off with a lively paddle-raise and recognition of industry thought leaders and dedicated changemakers. SUNY Maritime Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Robert Johnston ’69, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, and RADM Michael Alfultis led the awards ceremony. Honored were American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier and its President/CEO Eric Ebeling, TOTE Services and its President Captain Jeff Dixon, and the Masters of the T/S Empire State VI represented by Captains Joseph Ahlstrom, ’82 and Morgan McManus ’92. Regimental Commander Cadet Rushawn Henry 1/C, addressed guests, remarking on his journey at Maritime College and the challenges facing students today. “I discovered my potential at Maritime and am fortunate that between my scholarships and income from working multiple jobs, I can afford my education. But many of my peers aren’t as lucky as me. Like one student who works several jobs to help her single mother pay the bills. Another can’t afford to live in the dorms and travels two hours each way on

public transit from Brooklyn to campus. “We all recognize that a Fort Schuyler degree is not easy, but as the Regimental Commander, it would hurt me to see a member of our student body lose the opportunity to continue at Maritime because they can’t afford it,” added Henry. Resonating with the audience, his comments drew loud applause. Attendees, who joined the Dinner, in-person and virtually, participated in a dynamic scholarship auction. With the inclusion of a generous $150,000 match offered by the Board of Trustees, an unprecedented goal of $1,000,000 was raised for students. These funds aid in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest to Maritime College and demonstrate that, regardless of their financial situation, the next generation of graduates will have the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the industry. Noting this would be his final Admiral’s Dinner prior to his retirement in July 2024, RADM Alfultis thanked the community. “Congratulations to our honorees and a huge thank you to our outstanding sponsors. Tonight’s record-setting results are a good omen for the College’s 150th anniversary and campaign. It has been my honor and privilege to know you over these ten years. I ask that you all join me and Kim in supporting this effort, which is critical to future of Maritime College.”

Honoree Captain Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services with Admiral Alfultis Honoree Eric Ebeling, President/CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier with Admiral Alfultis

24 | Fort Schuyler Fall 2023