Fort Schuyler Magazine - Spring 2022

LETTER FROM MICHAEL ALFULTIS President, SUNY Maritime College

Dear Maritime College Alumni and Friends, Spring is in full gear at Maritime College and the campus has never looked more beautiful in bloom. For the first time in two years, many if not all, in person activities that are critical to the hands-on academic and extra-curricular student experience resumed this semester. As academicians, coaches, mentors, and teachers, women at the College have stood front and center, playing a significant part in fostering the educational and student life experience. In an industry where women are underrepresented, it is more important than ever for young female students to rely on the support of their counterparts in college leadership. In this issue, dedicated to women in the maritime industry, we feature a few of the many women whose role and work at the College serves to guide and inspire the young women seeking to take their place as professionals in the global maritime community. From the Provost, the first woman to be appointed to the prestigious position; to the athletics head coach who led the Women’s Lacrosse Team through one of its greatest seasons; to the alum and maritime professional who left the high seas to return to the College and teach; these are some of the women who will change the face of the industry and usher in a new generation of maritime leaders. This issue also features the milestone event of the Keel Laying of the first National Multi-Mission Vessel, the Empire State VII, currently under construction at Philadelphia Shipyard, PA. Since the December event, significant progress has been made and we look forward to celebrating its arrival to Maritime College in 2023. Other activities abounded in 2022 including the groundbreaking of the William Austen Marine Education and Seamanship Center, and the ribbon-cutting ceremonies of the newly constructed Student Learning Center and the Marine Engineering Systems Laboratory. Each of these construction projects, which were made possible through state funds and the generosity of donors, will provide long-lasting opportunities for state-of-the-art learning and workforce development in the maritime and offshore wind sectors. All the efforts that have been put forth to progress and advance Maritime College are due in great part to those alumni, sponsors and friends who dedicate their time, expertise, and generously support the College. Their donations and contributions are part of a collective effort to generate the crucial funding needed for student scholarships, provide relevant maritime education and training, and greatly assist in enhancing the overall student experience. Thank you for being a part of the student success story at Maritime College! Please enjoy this issue of Fort Schuyler Magazine. Be well.

All the best,

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

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