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Secretary of the Navy to Address Class of 2019 at Commencement

Posted on: March 1, 2019

CASTINE, Maine—Maine Maritime Academy President William J. Brennan announced today that Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer will deliver the college’s Commencement address on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Castine.

Richard V. Spencer was sworn in as the 76th Secretary of the Navy in August of 2017. Prior to his nomination, Spencer served on the Defense Business Board and the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel.

“As an accomplished leader and supporter of maritime education, Secretary Spencer has both relevant and valuable experience to impart as our Commencement speaker,” said President Brennan. “We are honored that he will deliver the send-off to the Class of 2019.”

Spencer graduated from Rollins College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Upon graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as an H-46 pilot until 1981 before departing active duty to enter the private finance sector. Spencer worked on Wall Street for 16 years with responsibilities centered on investment banking services and a particular focus on strategic advisory services and capital market underwriting.

Maine Maritime Academy is a co-educational, public college on the coast of Maine offering programs of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation. The college serves approximately 950 undergraduate and graduate students in career-oriented degree programs. The annual job placement rate for MMA graduates is approximately 90 percent within 90 days of graduation. The college is consistently recognized for providing a high-value education by organizations such as the Brookings Institution, U.S. News and World Report, and Money Magazine. For more information, visit mainemaritime.edu.