SUNY Maritime College 2019-2020 Annual Report

SCHOLARSHIPS

ADVOCATING FOR UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS Through Scholarships and Strong Networks

I ssues surrounding diversity, inclusion and social justice took center stage in early 2020 causing institutions of higher education to deeply reflect upon the ways in which their communities effectively champion a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The very notion of diversity and inclusivity was the inspiration and impetus that led to the formation of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG), established in 1994 by Captain Robert K. Cook, Class of 1980, along with fellow alumni Captain Howard Wyche, Mark Bodden, Captain Eugene Monroe, Engineer Joe Lewis, and Dave Holman, Esq. As Founders, the original Board of Directors set the course. The current Board is the engine that propels OBMG in its mission as advocates for underrepresented and underserved engineers and mariners.

Organization of Black Maritime Graduates was founded. Capt. Cook was appointed by the new OBMG Board to serve as President and has been re- elected to that position at every election since. The first OBMG scholarships were awarded in 1995 to two black female cadets. Throughout its 25 years as a non-profit organization, OBMG has grown exponentially, awarding over $250,000 in scholarships. On average, more than $25,000 in scholarships is awarded yearly to students who need financial assistance to manage the costs of Summer Sea Term. OBMG also actively pursues opportunities to partner with other organizations and increase scholarship support, mentoring, networking, and recruitment. Having made a difference in the lives of many, OBMG is thankful for the donations and support it has received over the years. Many Drops Make Mighty Oceans.

and oceanography led him to attend Fort Schuyler. Upon graduation, he was hired by Military Sealift Command and for 10 years, worked in shipyard and dry dock operations, underway replenishment and on hydrographic surveillance ships. In 1993, Capt. Cook and Capt. Wyche were invited to attend a Black History Month event at Maritime College. Admiral “Hoss” Miller ’53, the College President at the time, informed them that program funding was being reduced for the upcoming academic year and students of color would be most impacted. Learning of this weighed heavily on Capt. Cook who knew he wanted to offer assistance to underrepresented students studying to become merchant mariners and engineers. “I always believed that education should be a fundamental right; accessible to anyone without barriers. We wanted to become involved; to assist and encourage,” stated Capt. Cook. In the spring of 1994, the

O R G A N I Z A T I O N

O F B L A C K M A R I T I M E G R A D U A T E S

STUDENT DIVERSITY (Fall 2019)

Gender Male

1436 (86%) 238 (14%) 432 (29%)

Female

Underrepresented

Veterans

41 (2%)

Capt. Cook’s high school interests in science, math

8 Annual Report 2019-2020