After overcoming numerous hurdles during a year in which the pandemic delayed graduation for many students by one academic year, over 200 Maritime College students proudly received their degrees on July 9. It was the first large-scale event held at the College since the onset of the pandemic, and families and guests of graduates were thrilled to attend the long-awaited celebratory event in person. Two separate ceremonies were held to accommodate the graduates of the School of Maritime Education and Training, School of Engineering, and School of Business, Science and Humanities.

Maritime College alum William F. Austen ’80 was awarded the Honorary Doctorate in Science (Doctor of Science Honoris Causa) and offered the Keynote Address to the graduates. Austen, who received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Maritime College and earned a Master of Science in Engineering Administration at George Washington University, went on to become one of the most highly successfully, distinguished leaders in the global manufacturing and technical service industries. “I remember the day I sat exactly where you graduates are sitting today. Never did I think that I would be back to receive an honorary degree, but I am very proud to stand here today before you as a graduate of Maritime College,” he stated.

State University of New York Chancellor Dr. Jim Malatras was in attendance for the Commencement Ceremony and placed the doctoral hood on Austen during the ceremony, congratulating the newly conferred Dr. Austen. In a public statement, Chancellor Malatras recognized the graduates of Maritime College saying, “I am honored to be with our graduates on this special day at SUNY Maritime College. I commend our students for what they have accomplished, and congratulate this class on receiving the highest combined pass rate of any other previous class on the United States Coast Guard exam. SUNY Maritime graduates should feel confident that they are more than ready to start a career in the maritime world or elsewhere, and we thank them for serving our country in this critical industry. Congratulations, class of 2021!”

View the Commencement Photos