Maritime College Family,
What an action-packed week we had! On Thursday, we hosted Jessica Dulong, author of Saved at the Seawall, for the Tomb Leadership Lecture. Both the afternoon and evening events provided an opportunity to learn the stories and lessons of the Great Boatlift, so we Never Forget. Always Remember. On Saturday, we came together as a community for the Labor Day BBQ and to cheer on our football team as they earned a great win against Worcester State! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the fellowship and show your Maritime Spirit!
As for Empire State, she remains in a maintenance period through the end of the month. MARAD has indicated that the earliest she could depart Olivet Pier is September 15. Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift Robert Borka and Director of Ship Operations Mark Burns will be on campus next Monday. I will keep you posted as I receive additional information or if anything changes. Here are a few additional highlights and updates from around campus:
Fall Club Fair. The Club Fair is tomorrow on the Quad from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Please come out to support the clubs and learn how to get involved with the cool stuff going on around campus!
Know Your Title IX. Join Title IX Coordinator Kieran Barrett tomorrow at 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM in the Student Union MPR for an informative, in-person session, "Know Your Title IX for Supervisors." Participants will learn about their responsibilities as supervisors related to Title IX reporting, supportive measures, and employee wellness. I encourage all supervisors to take advantage of this opportunity to better understand your role and responsibilities and to help ensure we continue to foster a safe, supportive, and respectful Maritime College community. Register here.
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).
SUNY Harvey Milk Leadership Award. Student Leadership Award Opportunity! Please consider nominating deserving students who make a difference on our campus. The Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership, named in honor of University at Albany class of 1951 alumnus and LGBTQIA+ rights champion Harvey Milk, recognizes two outstanding students (one upper-level undergraduate student and one graduate student) who have dedicated their time to improving LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness on their campus for fellow students. Please visit the Harvey Milk Student Leadership Award Nomination page to review the award, criteria, timeline, and nomination process. Any questions, please contact the Dean of Students.
Constitution Day. Come celebrate Constitution Day on September 17 at 3:00 PM in the MAC MPR, featuring a keynote presentation by former Congressman and author Chris Gibson, followed by a Faculty/Staff/Student Trivia Quiz with great prizes, cake, and refreshments. The League of Women Voters will also be on campus beginning at noon on September 17 in the Student Union and MAC Atrium for our Constitution Day Voter Registration Drive. Come, participate, learn, and enjoy as we celebrate America's constitutional tradition and explore the ideas, principles, and debates that shaped the founding of our Republic!
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.
Spring 2026 President and Provost Lists. The Fall 2026 Academic Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the academic achievement from the Spring Semester, will be on Tuesday, September 22, at 3:00 PM in the Riesenberg Gym. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
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.
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.
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. It was an exciting week on the field and in the gym as our Privateers kicked off the fall sports season! Congratulations to Chase Miller of Men's Cross Country for finishing 23rd out of 156 runners at the Adelphi Invitational. This week is action-packed, including the Women's Volleyball home opener on Thursday at 6:00 PM against Brooklyn. Come out and support our Privateers as they compete on their home court! Check out the latest results and the full schedule on the Athletics website.
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