In the last decade, Maritime College has received almost a half-billion dollars of federal and state funding for high-impact capital projects including the new ship, a new academic building, renovated classroom and lab facilities, new simulators, first-class athletic fields, and student-centered programming space – all of which have enhanced the appeal and function of the campus.
In order to uphold a caliber of student and faculty programming that aligns with these campus investments, the College looks to its community of alumni, industry professionals, families, faculty, staff, and friends to make philanthropic investments in Maritime College’s people and programs. Such investments will allow Maritime College to continue to deliver top talent to the industries it serves, promote innovation across our areas of expertise, and increase the visibility and value of a Maritime College degree.
Elevate Academic and Merchant Marine License Programs
THE NEED
The quality of Maritime College’s academic and merchant marine license programs depends almost entirely on the caliber of its faculty. As a member of the State University of New York system, the College is limited in the salaries and incentives it can offer. Recruiting faculty to live and work in a high-cost area such as New York City is an added challenge. The College must rely on philanthropic giving to provide additional incentives to recruit faculty.
OUR OBJECTIVE
Establish an annual Dean’s Fund for each of the College’s three Schools to recruit high-caliber faculty. This funding will enable the Deans to provide faculty incentives and student support, such as:
- Faculty “start-up grants” to support faculty and faculty-student research. These grants are used throughout higher education to recruit faculty while at the same time providing opportunities for students to apply what they learn outside of the classroom.
- Summer employment for faculty to develop new courses, conduct research, and engage industry professionals.
- Faculty and student professional development, including travel to conferences such as the annual meeting of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), as well as conferences on best practices in higher education.
Increase Student Scholarships and Programming
THE NEED
To successfully compete for the top students in this highly competitive market, Maritime College must tap into new and diverse recruiting markets. We need to provide additional incentives such as merit-based scholarships, internships, and undergraduate research opportunities, and develop student support programs that will drive enrollment.
OUR OBJECTIVE
Increased funding will enhance student support and programs that will attract top students and ensure that they are successful at Fort Schuyler and in their careers.
Respond to Emerging Needs and Opportunities
THE NEED
The maritime industry is facing dramatic changes driven by digitization and decarbonization. Environmental regulations are resulting in new fuels and propulsion systems and technological advances are revolutionizing supply chains and upending traditional business models. At the same time, the industry is struggling with a historic workforce gap.
OUR OBJECTIVE
To advance its mission, Maritime College must have the ability to respond to emerging needs and opportunities. An infusion of unrestricted leadership gifts in support of the Sallyport Fund will accelerate innovation on campus to best prepare our graduates for future industry needs.
Campaign Committee Members
Sherice Arman
Maples and Calder Law Firm
Jennifer Barnes Hayes ‘80
Barnes Hayes Global Compliance Solutions
Joe Byrne ‘89
Turner Construction
Steve Carbery ‘80
Yale New Haven Health System (Ret.)
Beth Christman ‘87
Association of Maryland Pilots
Jack Conway ’04
Gil Bar
John Dabbar ‘82
ConocoPhillips
Cody Heitmeier ‘07
Nobra Pilots
Tom Higgins ‘81
Fiserv
Gary Jobson ‘73
Jobson Sailing
John Keenan ‘79
Keenan Coaching and Consulting
Thom Merrell ’76
American Overseas Marine Corp.
Ed Pfleging ’86
Montefiore Medical Center
Bruce Rosenblatt
Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, LLC
Joe Starck ‘90
The Great Lakes Towing Company
Mike Toner ‘65
General Dynamics (ret)
John Valvo ‘83
Fresh Meadow Power NE, LLC
Jon Zinke ’75
Keesal, Young & Logan, LLP
“Supporting the Sesquicentennial campaign is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to an institution that afforded me so much in life: a fulfilling career, an unsurpassed alumni network, and a connection to classmates and shipmates who I consider family. Knowing that my campaign contribution may open the door to the same level of personal and professional success for the next generation of Fort Schuyler grads, and push the College to new heights, is extremely rewarding.”
- Stephen J. Carbery ’80, President, Maritime College Alumni Association and Committee Member, Maritime College Sesquicentennial Campaign Committee
“I am proud to contribute to the College’s Sesquicentennial Campaign in support of the School of Engineering’s Dean’s Fund. My contribution is helping to attract the next generation of top-tier faculty to Maritime College, ensuring that students have the training and resources needed to address the complex engineering challenges facing the marine industry. This is my personal commitment to education and to the future success of our industry."
-Bruce Rosenblatt, Founder, Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, LLC, Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Committee Member, Maritime College Sesquicentennial Campaign Committee
"I give back to Maritime because without the leadership training and life experiences the school provided me, I would not be where I am today. I received an excellent education and Summer Sea Terms cemented my love of the sea. After graduation, I returned and worked on the 1989 and 1991 cruises and served as the 2nd Officer of the Training Ship. I have received two degrees and met life-long mentors from being a student and former employee of SUNY Maritime."
- Captain Beth Christman '87, Vice President, Association of Maryland Pilots and Committee Member, Maritime College Sesquicentennial Campaign Committee