Castine Current
WOMEN ON THE WATER CONFERENCE AT kINGS POINT
By JILL SCHooF, PRoFESSoR oF ENGINEERING
(L-R) Rachel Jondle, Kaylee Wacome, Gabrielle Wells, Alexandria Martin, Alice Stenquist, and Catherine Bailey with Paul Jaenichen of MARAD. Photo by J Schoof.
InMarch,theUnitedStatesMerchantMarine ofourArmedForces.Ourindustryisarobust onactivedutywiththeUSCGbeforejoining
Academy with the U.S. Maritime Administra-
national asset - and it is critical that we remain
the Coast Guard's Senior Executive Service. She
tion (MARAD) hosted the seventh Women
so in the future. That means attracting the very
discussed how her experience in the Deepwater
on the Water (WoW) Conference. over 125
best people to pursue maritime careers. Yes, when
Horizon oil spil , and during the response to the
maritime professionals and maritime academy
you look around the industry men are clearly
historic 2011 Mississippi River Valley floods led
cadets attended the three-day conference at Kings
in the majority ­ but talent is talent regardless
her to her current role, in which she is responsi-
Point, including six Maine Maritime Academy
of gender. Our industry needs to ful y leverage
ble for establishing, developing, and implement-
students from the classes of 2015 and 2016 along
the diversity of thought, character, courage, and
ing hazard incident management strategies and
with Engineering Professor Jil Schoof. The focus
commitment that women have to offer.
policies for the Coast Guard. She encouraged
of the conference was the promotion of personal
the cadets to "respect your individuality and the
growth and career development of women cadets.
The WoW conference gave women cadets
choices you make." She went on to say, "I have
Paul N. Jaenichen of MARAD opened the confer-
unique opportunities to learn about careers on
the greatest respect for the career you have cho-
ence with the following message:
the water and about current issues affecting the
maritime industry. Panels of senior women cap-
sen. You have great role models." She reminded
Today, our nation relies on maritime transpor-
tains and pilots and other experienced military
the cadets, "When you are 5 or 10 years out,
tation more than ever before - oceangoing vessels
and civilian maritime professionals taught them
don't forget to mentor others."
carry nearly 70 percent of U.S. foreign trade,
valuable job skil s.
The students are now organizing to send as
barge tows provide crucial links in our domestic
The keynote speaker was retired Rear Admi-
many MMA women to the next conference at
energy supply chain, and U.S.-Flag commercial
ral Mary Landry, United States Coast Guard.
the California Maritime Academy as possible,
vessels crews by American Merchant Mariners
Admiral Landry is the Director of Incident
contingent upon funding. This conference is
provide a logistic supply line for global protection
Management and Preparedness at Coast Guard
a unique opportunity for professional devel-
Headquarters. She spoke about her experiences
opment of women cadets as they enter their
maritime careers.
about themselves, about their course of study,
Many students had not been inside the new
and why they appreciate the continued support.
building, so the event gave them a chance to look
The Student Mariner Society is a ser-
around, while discovering and thanking those
vice-oriented group of students educating the
who contributed.
student body on philanthropic contributions of
This year, almost 1,000 thank-you notes were
alumni and how they benefit the Academy. SMS
sent out to celebrate contributions to the Acad-
students devote time and energy to strength-
emy. In response to receiving a personal note,
ening relations between students and alumni.
Marc Gousse, '82 said, "I am confident I speak for
Student Mariner Society members volunteered
al alumni and Academy supporters in affirming
their time to set up the event and run it. Many
the appreciation for this genuine and personal-
members said this year was a success and larger
ized effort by students. This gesture reflects how
than last year, adding that next year wil be even
special the men and women of Maine Maritime
better!
Academy real y are."
mainemaritime.edu
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