SUNY Maritime College Annual Report 2021-2022

SPOTLIGHT ON ADVANCEMENT

A Vital Vehicle of Support The SUNY Maritime Foundation was established in December 2017 as a private, independent IRS approved 501 c (3) charitable corporation. It serves as the primary organization to raise and manage private financial support to help the Maritime College achieve its mission and vision, directing its efforts to enriching the College’s educational excellence for the benefit of all students and faculty. The Foundation Board of Directors are independent of New York State and the SUNY university-wide system in the exercise of their fiduciary responsibilities. Shortly after its inception, the Foundation was quick to respond to the needs of Maritime College through giving campaigns, formation of a Boat Donation Program, acquisition of a port security boat used for experiential learning, support for innovation and technology, and unrestricted gifts. Throughout the years, the Foundation’s portfolio of giving to the College has greatly expanded to include funding for various programs and initiatives such as laptops used to analyze marine environmental science data; re establishing the women’s basketball program; support for a state-of-the-art Seamanship Center and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy, to name a few. The support provided by the Foundation is crucial and continues to significantly impact the student learning experience while advancing the mission of Maritime College. The Foundation’s successful partnership with the College over the years is clearly paving a pathway toward student success and allowing a new generation of students access to the maritime industry.

IMPACTFUL GIVING When it comes to supporting an institution of higher education, there is no right or wrong time for individuals, alumni, corporations or organizations to give. According to National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $484.85 billion in 2021 – an increase of 4% from 2020. In addition, the largest source of charitable giving in 2021 came from individuals, which represented 67% of giving that year. These powerful statistics demonstrate that there is a fundamental desire to give. Throughout the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the sum of giving to Maritime College totaled almost $3 million; this figure includes all fundraising, financial assistance from the SUNY Maritime Foundation, and scholarships/awards. Students are the core of Maritime College, and each donation greatly impacts a student’s ability to select Maritime as their choice of college and remain at Maritime in pursuit of maritime-related career path. The following features showcase the breadth of giving on the part of non-profit and corporate entities, perspectives of giving on the part of students and donors, and the difference generosity makes in enhancing learning for generations of merchant mariners to come.

Investing in the Waterfront Among the most spectacular locations of the Maritime College campus, the Waterfront is a hub of small vessel activity for current students, as well as guests and visitors who participate in the Waterfront’s community programs. The Foundation has invested heavily in ensuring the College’s smaller vessels undergo repair and maintenance. Over $150,000 has been financed by the Foundation, which includes the purchase of a port security boat, sailboat signs, sculling oars, and boat maintenance and equipment.

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Annual Report 2021-2022