Fort Schuyler Magazine Spring 2021

LETTER FROM MICHAEL ALFULTIS President, SUNY Maritime College

Dear Maritime College Alumni and Friends, The warmer weather is finally upon us and I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy. When I look back to where Maritime College was at the onset of a global pandemic last spring, I am filled with immense gratitude towards those whose tireless efforts have ensured the completion of another successful academic year. Our resolve to bring students back to campus for in-person instruction during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters was undeterred. We provided weekly testing for students, faculty and staff; adhered to all state and federal COVID-19 mandates and requirements; and collaborated with various state and community partners to offer vaccinations to students at Yankee Stadium and on campus. This year-long endeavor culminated in the actualization of two in-person Spring Commencement ceremonies and the sendoff of over 500 fully vaccinated cadets on the first Summer Sea Term since 2019. A brief overview of these accomplishments and the statistics related to testing and positivity rates is included in within the pages of this Fort Schuyler magazine. After commencement, it is natural for some graduates to question the viability of their academic degree and employment potential, especially after being awarded a degree amid a global pandemic. In this issue, we delve into the theme of what graduates can achieve with a Maritime College degree. The stories featured in this publication demonstrate the vast industry possibilities that exist for our graduates. One story showcases an alumna who began her career along the traditional seafaring path, only to be led down an unexpected, untraditional yet fulfilling career path in academia. Our alumni are dedicated to their craft and demonstrate the highest levels of proficiency in their fields. In March, the Master of the Training Ship Empire State VI was sought after by various media outlets to offer his professional opinion on the obstruction of the Suez Canal by the Ever Given container ship. These are only a few of the many ways in which Maritime College alumni have utilized their degrees to achieve professional success. This issue of Fort Schuyler magazine also highlights the conceptualization and fabrication process of the new National Security Multi-mission Vessel (NSMV) in the form of a timeline. The steel has been cut and Maritime College is slated to receive the first NSMV in 2023. As we await the completion and arrival of our new state-of-the-art training ship, which will benefit students for generations to come, we will document the construction progress and share updates on this historic national maritime achievement. Finally, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to those donors, friends and alumni whose generosity has provided numerous scholarship and financial support opportunities for our students, including participation in Summer Sea Term 2021. These contributions have been vital in propelling students towards successful, rewarding careers. Please enjoy this issue of Fort Schuyler. Be well.

All the best,

RADM Michael A. Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.

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