SUNY Maritime Commencement 2024

Commencement activities began on May 23, as graduating seniors enjoyed a champagne toast and class photo. Later that evening, select students were invited to the Annual Student Excellence Awards, where they were recognized for their academic achievements by the school Deans, the Provost, and President Alfultis. Awards were then presented to each student as sponsors and family members looked on with pride and support.

On the morning of Friday, May 24, 17 ensigns were commissioned as Officers during the NROTC Commissioning Ceremony. These newly commissioned Officers will proudly serve the country – we wish them fair winds and following seas.

The following Commencement Ceremony recognized the 401 combined graduates of January, May, July and September 2024. Sage J. Trautz served as Class Valedictorian while Mark Barker ’94, Honorary Doctorate Degree recipient, offered the Keynote Speech to the graduates. A graduate of SUNY Maritime College with a BS in Marine Engineering and an Unlimited Third Assistant Engineer License, Mark also has an MBA from the Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

Mark is the President of Interlake Maritime Services, a family of companies with more than 300 years of collective service on the Great Lakes. As the second-generation leader of Interlake, Mark maintains a strong and clear voice on industry issues at the state and national level. He is the Chairman of the board for the National Museum of the Great Lakes and he serves on the board of Moran Towing Corporation. Thank you for your service and commitment to SUNY Maritime College and the maritime industry.

In his congratulatory remarks, Mark said, “Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Stay involved and give back as you are able.”