The NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Metro/Long Island Zone Conference held at Maritime College on Saturday, November 2, brought together engineering students and professionals to foster knowledge exchange, professional growth, and academic competition. Attendees included representatives from SUNY Farmingdale and Cooper Union. 

A notable feature of the conference was a distinguished presentation delivered by Mr. Zephaniah Odidika, the Chair of the Metro/Long Island Zone. During this session, he honored Admiral John Okon with a plaque, recognizing his significant support for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at Maritime and throughout the zone. The plaque served as a formal expression of gratitude for Admiral Okon's impactful contributions, reading: 

"For Inspiring Maritime Innovation and Engineering Excellence with a deep appreciation for his distinguished service and commitment to advancing maritime technology and engineering. As a leader in naval operations, he has been a driving force behind innovations that safeguard our seas and support global naval initiatives." 

Admiral Okon addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of resilience, excellence, and innovative problem-solving in maritime engineering and sciences. His remarks aimed to inspire future engineers to push the boundaries of the field and strongly encourage them to consider Maritime College for their graduate studies. 

The conference was led by Maritime College NSBE Chapter President Mr. Christopher Felder and Vice President Ms. Rachael Stephenson. It also featured a spirited Academic Tech Bowl, where Maritime College claimed a victory over SUNY Farmingdale. This win secures SUNY Maritime a “bye” to the Regional Academic Tech Bowl at the Fall Regional Conference in Stamford, Connecticut. 

To promote professional development, workshops on topics like cybersecurity, financial literacy, Robert’s Rules of Order, and marine engineering were held throughout the day. Attendees also toured Maritime’s newest training vessel, the Empire State VII, providing a hands-on experience with the latest advancements in engineering training. 

NSBE Professional members from Northern New Jersey and New York City also attended, enriching the conference by sharing their industry experience and expertise, which proved invaluable for students aspiring to excel in their fields. This event marked a successful gathering of aspiring engineers and leaders, strengthening the connections and skills essential for innovation in Maritime and engineering fields