MMA President's Watch
Back in Castine, as we get ready for fall
ABS Center is key to MMA's reputation and
classes, we are also preparing to break
future as a pre-eminent STEM institute, our
ground for the ABS Center for Engineering,
participation in this challenge is crucial to
Science and Research building. Having
the building's completion.
raised $9 million toward the ultimate
goal of $14 million, it is time to move
Another recently initiated challenge is to
beyond the conceptual phase and make
set the Academy's strategic course for the
this new building a reality. Our plan is to
foreseeable future. In February, the Board
hold a groundbreaking ceremony during
of Trustees approved a strategic planning
Homecoming Weekend, September 20-21.
process, which will address critical issues of
Stay tuned for announcements about this
growth, capacity, curriculum, partnerships
I had many opportunities to connect
event from the Alumni office.
and revenue for the Academy. Earle
with MMA alumni and friends early this
Cianchette '77 will chair the Board
summer--it was great to see so many new
An extremely important step in making the
of Trustees Ad Hoc Strategic Planning
faces in Tampa and Baltimore. Thank you
new building a reality is to raise the final $5
Committee.
All
MMA
stakeholders,
for coming out to greet the students. I also
million. Scott Searway '66 has issued an
including the students, the Board of
want to thank the alumni who donate in-
exciting challenge that--if we all join in--will
Trustees, alumni, faculty and staff, and
kind services--piloting and tug services,
advance us toward that goal. Twenty-three
others whose careful reflections will add
line
handling,
discounted
fuel--that
years ago Scott established and endowed a
value to the process, will be asked to give
significantly drive down the costs of the
scholarship fund at MMA. Over the years
input on these issues. I'm looking forward to
annual training cruise. This year, Dave
he has made numerous contributions to
engaging the entire MMA community as we
Gelinas '84 and Skip Strong '84 of
the fund, which has provided financial aid
address the vision for our future. The plan
Penobscot Bay Pilots provided services for
to more than 80 students. Scott has now
will be drafted this year and will be brought
departure and arrival; David Knapp '86
made a generous commitment to the ABS
to vote by the Board of Trustees in February
rallied the Florida Alumni Chapter to supply
Center with the intent to enhance the spirit
2014; implementation is scheduled to begin
services and sponsorships for the Tampa
of philanthropy within the Academy family.
in March 2014.
visit; Carl Joseph '91 of the Delaware Bay
To that end, he is challenging the entire
Pilots Association contributed pilotage in
MMA community to join him in support of
These two major challenges, and how we
and out of Baltimore Harbor; and Robert
this project. Scott has pledged a $250,000
meet them, will have critical impact on
J. Peacock II '71 provided piloting and
donation over the next five years for the ABS
the Academy's future. I do not doubt that
shoreside services and organized town
Center. The MMA community will be asked
we will successfully execute the difficult
events around the ship's Eastport visit.
to match that donation, 2 for 1. We already
tasks ahead, and I am heartened by facing
Many alumni also donated toward student
have achieved 100% participation toward
these challenges with you. Our community
activities during stopovers. I hope you all
the campaign by the Board of Trustees and
has the intellect, the resourcefulness and
know how much your contributions mean
the Academy senior administrators; we will
the ambition to do it all. Bring your ideas
to the students. Your generosity is greatly
also encourage maximum faculty, staff and
forward; a stronger future for the Academy
appreciated.
personnel participation. As the
depends on every one of us.
MMA President, Dr. William J. Brennan
5 MARINER 2013 - Issue 2

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