August 24, 2026

Maritime College Family,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 Academic Year! There is nothing quite like the beginning of a new academic year. As students return from Summer Sea Term and internships, faculty and staff prepare for another year of teaching and service, and our newest Cadets and students begin their Maritime journey, our campus is once again filled with excitement, purpose, and endless possibility.

The start of a new academic year reminds us that every day at Maritime is an opportunity to learn, lead, serve, and grow. It is also a time to celebrate, give gratitude, and reflect on how far we have come and to look ahead with confidence.

When I arrived two years ago, our immediate responsibility was to stabilize the institution. Today, Maritime College is no longer defined by the challenges we inherited but by the opportunities we are creating. Together, we have restored confidence, strengthened our institution, and positioned Maritime College for continued success and growth. Our priorities remain clear and our resolve is strong. We are now entering the next phase of our journey not simply to sustain our progress, but to accelerate it.

Our Strategic Voyage Plan gives us a clear course, and we will continue to build on that strong foundation with discipline, urgency, and ambition. We have strengthened enrollment, restored our financial position, expanded student success initiatives, modernized our campus, and deepened partnerships with industry and government. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters and demonstrate what is possible when an entire community works toward a common purpose.

As we begin this year together, I ask each of you to embrace our core values of Loyalty, Valor, and Leadership. Challenge yourself academically, seek opportunities beyond your comfort zone, and become actively involved across campus. Leadership is developed not only in the classroom and labs, but also aboard the ship, on the athletic field, through student organizations, and by serving others. Support your classmates and colleagues, lead with integrity, treat every member of our community with dignity and respect, and take advantage of every opportunity our Peninsula of Opportunity has to offer.

Success at Maritime is never achieved alone. We are Maritime Nation, a community built on trust, accountability, and a commitment to looking out for one another. If you need help, ask for it. If you see someone who may be struggling, reach out or connect them with support. Every member of our community shares the responsibility to be an active bystander and help foster a campus where dignity, respect, and inclusion are the standard. Our Mental Health counselors, Title IX Office, faculty, staff, coaches, and fellow students are here to support you. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and offering help is a hallmark of leadership.

This year, you will continue to see improvements across campus as we modernize residence halls, enhance academic spaces, strengthen campus safety, and invest in the technology and facilities that support a world-class maritime education and leadership development that define Maritime College.

The months ahead will be filled with traditions, spirited competition, meaningful service, and lifelong memories. I encourage you to engage fully in campus life, support one another, and take pride in being part of Maritime Nation. I also hope you will join us throughout the semester as we celebrate the many events that bring our community together, including:

• Tomb Leadership Lecture – September 3
• Fall Commencement – September 10
• Marine Society of New York Monomoy Races – September 12
• Admiral's Dinner – September 15
• Career Fair – October 7
• Athletics Hall of Fame – October 22
• Homecoming – October 23–24

As your President, and as a proud alumnus, it is an honor to welcome you back to the Fort. I have never been more optimistic about the future of SUNY Maritime College. Together, we are building an institution that honors its proud heritage while preparing the next generation of maritime leaders. Maritime College has always been a place where ordinary people prepare to do extraordinary things, and each of you now has the opportunity and the responsibility to become one of the leaders our nation and our industry cannot do without.

I look forward to seeing you around campus.

New York Maritime. First and Foremost.

With Utmost Respect and Admiration,
John

"Students First – Maritime Always"