Maritime College Family,

We had a strong start to the academic year across campus, and I am proud of the energy and momentum we have seen across the Maritime College community. As you read in my email on Friday, Empire State is being activated for approximately 170 days. The exact date of departure has not yet been determined, but based on the information I received over the weekend, it is likely to be no earlier than mid-September. There will be impacts to the College as a result of this activation, and we are taking them seriously. I have asked the Cabinet to identify, assess, and plan for those impacts across all areas of the College. We will continue to work transparently and proactively with MARAD to eliminate or mitigate those impacts wherever possible, with our students and our mission at the center of every decision. As I receive additional information in the coming days and weeks, I will share it with you. What I want you to know is this: we are engaged, prepared, and focused. We will continue to advocate for Maritime College, our students, and our mission, and we will do everything within our ability to minimize the impact of this activation on our College.

Here are a few additional highlights and updates from around campus:

Tomb Lecture Series. This Thursday, September 3, acclaimed author Jessica DuLong will visit Maritime College to discuss Saved at the Seawall and the maritime community's extraordinary role in the largest boat rescue in history during the 9/11 response. The day will include a special student and faculty session from 3:00–4:00 PM. An evening program will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:30–6:30 PM, followed by another session from 7:00–8:00 PM, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author and receive a signed copy of her book. Reserve your seat for the reception and evening lecture here.

Labor Day Campus BBQ. Please come out and celebrate Labor Day weekend with the Maritime College Family and cheer on your Privateers at the first home football game of the season this Saturday. We will host a free BBQ from 1100-1430 on the pickleball courts above the Maritime College sign. The BBQ is open and to all Faculty, Staff, and Students! Bring your Maritime spirit, grab some food, and help us kick off the football season by supporting our Privateers!

Fall Commencement. On Thursday, September 10, at 3:00 PM, Maritime Nation will gather in the MAC MPR for our Fall Commencement ceremony. This special occasion brings together students, faculty, staff, families, and friends to celebrate the achievements and dedication of our graduating class. We are honored to welcome home John Dabbar ’82, Executive Director, National Petroleum Council, as our Guest Speaker. I hope to see everyone there!

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Please join the campus community on Friday, September 11, at 7:20 a.m. in the Quad as we honor the memory of the innocent lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the service members, first responders, and countless others who have given their lives in the years since in defense of our nation. Your presence will help us honor the enduring legacy of those we lost and reaffirm our commitment to Never Forget. Always Remember.

Admiral’s Dinner. The Admiral’s Dinner is September 15 at Marina del Rey. This is our premier fundraising event, creating access and opportunity by helping eliminate financial barriers for our talented students. Scholarship support has never been more important. I hope you will join us as we celebrate leadership, achievement, and the transformative power of Maritime Nation. You can purchase tickets or sponsorships on our website. I look forward to seeing everyone there for what promises to be a very special evening for our College and, most importantly, for our students.

Shredder Truck. A shredder truck will be in parking lot #6, Friday, September 18, from 8:30-9:30 AM. Please bring your papers to the truck, and please no paperclips, binder clips, binders, or cardboard (staples are okay.)

Digital IDs. The long-awaited Digital ID is now available. To get started, download the TouchNet 360u app on our website and follow the setup instructions. Once activated, your Digital ID can be used anywhere your Maritime ID is accepted and will replace the physical card. Over the coming months, we will transition away from physical ID cards as the Digital ID becomes our standard campus credential. Download your Digital ID today and make the switch to a faster, more convenient way to access campus services.

Enhancing Campus Access and Security. The safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains one of our highest priorities. This fall, we will begin implementing a new campus access strategy that modernizes how our facilities are secured while maintaining a welcoming environment. The first phase will focus on our residence halls. Beginning this fall, badge access after 7:00 PM will be limited to residents of each building and those requiring access (Clubs, RA, regimental leadership, etc.), and will require a valid College ID for entry. To gain access to a Resident Hall after 7:00 PM you will need a resident of the hall to let you in. Throughout the academic year, we will discuss an approach to expand this to academic and administrative buildings, creating a more consistent, secure, and technology-enabled access system across campus. Additional information, including implementation timelines and visitor access procedures, will be shared with the campus community before each phase is introduced.

Call for Honorary Degree Nominations. The call for nominations for SUNY Honorary Doctoral Degrees, the highest recognition conferred by the SUNY Board of Trustees, is now open. The award honors individuals of exceptional distinction whose achievements, public service, philanthropy, or contributions to society exemplify SUNY's mission, inspire its diverse student body, and elevate the College's reputation through excellence and leadership. Submit your nominations via this nomination link no later than September 18.

SUNY Leadership Institute Programs. Leadership opportunities exist in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Leadership Institute (AANHPI-LI), Black Leadership Institute (BLI), Disability Support Leadership Institute (DSLI), and Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI). Interested faculty and staff should reach out to their respective cabinet member to apply.

Student Success Center. As we begin to put ideas into action they year, I encourage you to share your comments and recommendations through the Student Affairs - Student Success Center Feedback Form. A cross-campus steering group has been established to help refine the vision and move the project forward this year. If you have any additional questions or comments, please contact Dean Adam Grohman.

Athletics. The athletic season gets underway this week for Women’s Soccer, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Football, and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country. At home, Women’s Soccer takes on Pratt on Tuesday at 6:00 PM, followed by Brooklyn on Friday at 4:00 PM. Women’s Volleyball starts the season on the road Tuesday at John Jay at 7:00 PM and Men’s Soccer takes on Nazareth at home on Sunday at noon. Check out the Athletics website for highlights and details.

Please join me welcoming to the Maritime Family Andre Hampton, University Police Officer, in the University Police Department; and Robertson Ramos Flores, Instructional Support Associate, in the Science Department!

With utmost respect,
John