Fort Schuyler Magazine Spring 2020

Dear Maritime College Alumni and Friends,

I hope you have all been staying safe and healthy throughout the novel coronavirus crisis. We began the new decade with great enthusiasm for our students, our academic programs and the establishment of three new schools, as well as the many plans slated for capital improvement throughout the campus. We welcomed, for the first time on Maritime College campus, United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, who served as Keynote Speaker for the Winter 2020 Commencement ceremony. While the onset of the virus temporarily brought the College to a pause mid- semester, it did not deter the exceptional efforts of our faculty who continued to extend learning to remote platforms. In this issue of Fort Schuyler , we share how the College responded to global pandemic and the transition from traditional classroom instruction to remote learning. Our next issue will incorporate stories of the ways in which alumni responded to and overcame the local and global challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis. We welcome these stories and are proud of our alumni whose efforts have continued to bring a sense of optimism during challenges times. Academic excellence continues to be the cornerstone of the Maritime College experience and in early 2020, three news schools were established to form a new academic structure: The School of Engineering; The School of Maritime Education and Training; and the School of Business, Science and Humanities. These important changes are part of the strategic priorities undertaken by Dr. Joseph Hoffman ’75, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, when he conducted an evaluation of programs, departments and the overall structure of academics. His contribution to establishing the three new schools has resulted in a modernized academic structure. As Dr. Hoffman steps away from the post of Provost and returns to the classroom as Dean of Graduate Studies, I would like to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to him for his extraordinary leadership, guidance and stewardship during his tenure as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. I am also very pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Waters, who will serve as the newly appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs beginning July 1. While these are uncertain times, and the pandemic has temporarily changed the momentum of activities at Maritime College, I am confident we will get back on track. There is much that awaits us on the horizon. Our students will continue to excel through strong curriculum, and structural projects and improvements will transform the College. Now more than ever before, we look to you, our alumni and friends, for your continued support. Please enjoy this issue of Fort Schuyler and we welcome you to follow us on social media.

LETTER FROM RADM MICHAEL ALFULTIS President, SUNY Maritime College

Be well and stay safe.

All the best,

RADM Michael A. Alfultis, Ph.D.

Fort Schuyler Alumni Magazine Spring 2020 | 3