SUNY Maritime College 2019-2020 Annual Report

Letter from THE PRESIDENT W e began the 2019-2020 fiscal and academic year as any other year; MUGs underwent Indoctrination; the campus was filled with the vibrancy of students, faculty and staff; and the College calendar reflected a year’s worth of events, campus activities, and athletic competitions. Who would have expected the complete disruption of a vibrant campus life due to the onset of the novel coronavirus 19 (COVID-19)? Suddenly, COVID-19 affected teaching, learning, campus life and Summer Sea Term. While the numerous effects of COVID-19 were felt throughout the empty campus by early spring, none was more profound than the economic strain many Maritime College students and their families underwent due to job loss, illness or both. Students were faced with an uncertainty regarding their education, career and future. Concurrently, campus operations were severely impacted due to a reduction in state support compounded by the allocation of refunds to students. Throughout those difficult times, the generosity of donors abounded. Many of our alumni heeded the call, ready and willing to provide assistance in the form of scholarships, endowed scholarships, restricted and unrestricted gifts. In fact, Maritime College was thrilled to receive its very first $1million gift, followed by a second $1million gift, both from alumni. In this Annual Report, million dollar donors Bill Austen ‘80 and Richard Angerame ’73, as well as other alumni, share their stories on why it was important for them to give. As this has been a year like no other, we dedicate this Annual Report to highlighting the different types of gifts, donations and funds that our donors have contributed at a time of substantial student need. We remain focused, even during this pandemic, on providing the academic rigor our students have come to expect and affording opportunities for Maritime College students to realize their future. Thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing this voyage with you.

. . . we dedicate this Annual Report to highlighting the different types of gifts, donations and funds that our donors have contributed at a time of substantial student need.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D. President

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