Become a Maritime College Alumni Recruiter

The Privateer Recruitment Officers Program (PROP) is centered on creating meaningful connections for prospective students as they explore SUNY Maritime College. Designed to close the gap between alumni and future Privateers, PROP strengthens engagement, increases access to real-world insight, and builds lasting relationships that begin well before enrollment and continue beyond graduation.

Through PROP, prospective students gain direct access to alumni who share their personal experiences, academic journeys, and professional pathways. These authentic conversations help students better understand the value of a Maritime education and envision their own success.

PROP Officers are dedicated alumni volunteers who serve as trusted ambassadors and reliable resources for prospective students and families. By sharing firsthand knowledge of SUNY Maritime College’s academic programs, student experience, and diverse career opportunities, PROP Officers play a vital role in cultivating awareness, interest, and informed decision-making among the next generation of Maritime graduates.

Admissions Momentum and Growth

This past fall, we delivered one of our most active recruitment seasons to date. The team connected with more than 1,300 prospective students across 200 college fairs, welcomed over 180 visitors for campus tours, hosted more than 100 attendees at information sessions, and engaged over 800 participants through two Open House events.

Supported by targeted outreach strategies, marketing, and branding efforts, these initiatives resulted in a 25% year-to-date increase in applications. This growth reflects the strength of Maritime's academic programs, the appeal of its hands-on learning environment, and the powerful stories shared by students, faculty, and alumni alike. It also underscores Maritime's undisputed Return on Investment (ROI) — #1 in SUNY and #1 Public College in America by PayScale.com.

Why Alumni Engagement Matters

Despite this momentum, challenges remain. Nationwide demographic shifts and heightened competition in higher education mean that personal connections and authentic storytelling are more important than ever. Alumni are uniquely positioned to make that connection—bridging the gap between Maritime's proud traditions and its future.

Prospective students ultimately decide to come to Maritime for three powerful reasons.

First – They visit the campus.

Our 55 acres of waterfront property offer a setting unlike any other—where hands-on training, regimented life, and academic rigor all come together in a truly immersive environment. Experiencing the campus firsthand allows students to envision themselves living and learning here.

Second – They talk with current students.

Our cadets are deeply passionate about what they are working to achieve through a Maritime education. Their energy, pride, and authenticity resonate in every conversation, offering prospective students a genuine peer perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Third – They connect with alumni.

There is no more compelling testament than hearing directly from those who have walked the path before them—learning how four years of hard work can lead to 40 years of a rewarding, impactful career.

This program is designed to help close the gap between alumni and prospective students—strengthening engagement, increasing access, and building lasting connections that extend well beyond the admissions process. By creating more opportunities for alumni to share their experiences and career journeys, we reinforce the value of a Maritime education while cultivating the next generation of engaged graduates.

Becoming a PROP Officer is an opportunity to pay it forward by introducing future mariners, leaders, and professionals to the institution that helped shape our careers and life paths, while reinforcing the exceptional value of a Maritime education. Through campus visits, cadet engagement, and alumni storytelling, we collectively bring Maritime's career pathways and post-graduation opportunities to life for the next generation.

Get Involved

The next on-campus PROP Training will take place on February 13. By sharing your story—and the impact Maritime had on your life—you can help ensure the College continues to thrive for generations to come.

Alumni interested in serving as a recruiting officer can sign up by visiting the Privateer Recruiting Officer Program (PROP). By sharing your story—and the impact Maritime had on your life—you can help ensure the College continues to thrive for generations to come.