Fort Schuyler Magazine Spring 2023

Kevin Graney ’86 & Peter Vecchio ’92 Honored at 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honors Dinner F O R T S C H U Y L E R M A R I T I M E A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N , I N C .

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Peter Vecchio, ’92 Professor & Chief Mate, SUNY Maritime College

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Kevin Graney ’86 President of General Dynamics Electric Boat

continue to keep ahead of the times in maritime education.” From the perspective of change witnessed both as cadet and Faculty, Vecchio underscored how the enduring values of the Maritime College and alumni community have shone through. “The things that truly matter to us – hard work, looking out for your shipmates, persistence, and getting the job done – are our school’s values that will never change and will always be taught at Fort Schuyler.” Steve Carbery ’80 and Ted Mason ’57 introduced Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Kevin Graney ’86. As GDEB President and former President at GD NASSCO, Kevin honored SUNY Maritime, crediting the school with teaching him the life skills he uses with GDEB to this day. In addition to shipbuilding, these include leadership and teamwork. He credited those on his team at Electric Boat as “the truest group of people I’ve ever known.” He recognized all maritime professionals – sailors, insurers, entrepreneurs – for their vital service to the industry. Accolades to the MCAA Honors Committee for making this a memorable event. Mark your calendar for January 25, 2024 to be sure you’re a part of next year’s Distinguished Alumni Honors Dinner.

The 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honors Dinner continued the tradition of honoring achievements, networking and reinforcing alumni and College connections. Over 200 alumni and guests, including 40 cadets, gathered at the Dinner on January 26, to honor Alumnus of the Year Kevin Graney ’86, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), and offer Special Recognition to Peter Vecchio ’92, TSES VII Chief Mate and Marine Transportation Department Chair at Maritime College. Captain Bob Fay ’80’s greeted guests and the SUNY Maritime College Color Guard and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police marching band opened the event. At the tolling of Eight Bells, Joe Colella ’79 and Capt. Fay commemorated alumni who had recently crossed the bar. Reverend Victor Rapp ’68 offered Invocation. MCAA President Steve Carbery ’80 briefed diners on upcoming Association plans and events. SUNY Maritime President Admiral Michael Alfultis delivered campus news, briefing on the eagerly awaited Training Ship Empire State VII. During the dinner, Peter Vecchio ’92 was introduced for the honor of Special Recognition. Accepting the honor, Vecchio stated, “I still get excited about the prospect of heading out on SST. We

Capt. Bob Fay ‘80 and Joe Colella ‘79 toll 8 Bells; Rev. Victor Rapp ‘68 offers Invocation; RADM Alfultis delivers College news.

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