2020 Virtual Commencement Awards Ceremony
May 30th | 7:00 pm (ET)
On May 30, 2020 we held our annual Commencement Awards Ceremony virtually with members of the Class of 2020 and their families to recognize the academic achievements of our driven and talented student community. We applaud your hard work! This year, we announced 28 awards that honor academic excellence, exemplary character, and significant contributions to the Maine Maritime Academy community.
American Bureau of Shipping Award
To the individual with the highest honors in mathematics and physics.
$500.00 Cash Award
Presented by: Dr. Thomas Batt, Chair, Arts & Sciences Department
Winner: Abigail M. L’Abbé
American Maritime Officers Service Award
To the two students who display the best qualities for becoming outstanding engine and deck officers.
Two $1,000 Checks & Certificates
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winners: Deck – Paul Stanley Woodworth; Engine – Geoffrey Chandler Knight
Bath Iron Works Service Award
For academic excellence in engineering science.
$500.00 Cash Award
Presented by: Professor Richard Reed, Chair, Engineering Department
Winner: James Ronald Trentham
Boston Marine Society Award
A student who exhibits strong qualities of leadership, scholarship and responsibility.
Plath Sextant
Presented by: Presenter is Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Rory Patrick McMahon
Captain Albion F. Coffin Memorial Award presented by the Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association
The student with the highest honors in mathematics.
$500 Cash Award
Presented by: Jeff Wright, Director of Alumni Affairs
Winner: Merlin J. Murphy
Captain Allan K. Cameron, Jr., USN Retired, Memorial Award
Graduate who achieved the top score on his or her engine license exams.
Digital Micrometer & Caliper with Engraved Mahogany Case
Presented by: Professor Richard Reed, Chair, Engineering Department
Winner: Abigail M. L’Abbé
Captain Arthur Fournier Award
Awarded for outstanding performance in Tug & Barge operations.
$350 Cash Award
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Chalker William Kingry
Captain Christopher Kopang Memorial Award
Graduate who achieved the top score on his or her deck license exams.
$500.00 Cash Award
Presented by: Captain Eric Jergenson, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Rory Patrick McMahon
Captain Robert Spear Award
Awarded for excellence in navigation courses.
$350 Cash Award
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Hunter J. Giacomuzzi
Cargo Awards
Excellence in studies related to bulk liquid cargoes.
Nikon Global Compass Binoculars
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
and
Excellence in studies related to the design and operation of tank vessel equipment.
Nikon Global Compass Binoculars
Presented by: Professor Richard Reed, Chair, Engineering Department
Winners: Cory Everett O’Connell & Robert C. Jewell, III
Dr. Lev S. Sheiba Award
To a deserving Marine Systems Engineering student.
$1,500 Cash Award
Presented by: Dr. Paul Wlodkowski, Engineering Department
Winner: James Ronald Trentham
Navigation Award
Vessel Operations and Technology: Excellence in navigation.
$350 Cash Award
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: David C. Ramage
Henry Brooks Award in International Business & Logistics
The graduating senior who exemplifies contributions to the Academy and to the community at large.
$250 Cash Award
Presented by: Professor Kirk Langford, Chair, International Business and Logistics
Winner: Ashley T. Elder
Holmes/Valliere/Young Award in International Business and Logistics
The IBL student who demonstrates potential for exceptional professional performance:
This year’s award is sponsored by John Holmes, Joseph Valliere, and Clarence Young, representing the classes of 1999 and 2001. They encourage all of you here today to support the future classes and Academy throughout your careers.
$5,000 Cash Award
Presented by: Professor Kirk Langford, Chair, International Business and Logistics
Winner: Avae Laurin Traina
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots Award
The seaman you would most like to sail with.
Binoculars & $1500 Initiation Fee Credit
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Cameron James Bourque
Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics Faculty Award
Awarded to the graduate or undergraduate Loeb-Sullivan School student who has earned the respect of the LSS-IBL faculty, who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and shows the greatest potential for advancing the field of international business and logistics.
Two $300 Cash Awards
Presented by: Presenter is Professor Kirk Langford, Chair, international Business and Logistics
Winners: Rachel Elaine Bunker & Quanah Gaitings-Harrod
Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association (voted on by senior class)
The individual selected by the graduating class as having done the most for the graduating class and MMA.
$500 Cash award
Presented by: Jeff Wright, Director of Alumni Affairs
Winner: Conary Hamlin Moore
The MMA Core Value Award established in memory of Captain Dr. Wallace S. Reed by Dr. Elaine Potoker
Awarded to an International Business and Logistics student, interdisciplinary, or dual major in logistics whose work exemplifies the visionary example of Dr. Wallace Reed and the institutional mission of Maine Maritime Academy. Dr. Reed was instrumental in the development of the graduate program at MMA and was also an avid proponent of logistics education before it was popularly understood.
$1000 Cash Award
Presented by: Dr. Elaine Potoker, Professor Emerita Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics
Winner: Autumn Acord
Maine Maritime Academy Department of Arts & Sciences Award
The student who demonstrates superior appreciation and understanding of the value of the pure sciences, social sciences and the humanities.
$250 Cash Award
Presented by: Dr. Thomas Batt, Chair, Arts & Sciences Department
Winner: Alexa J. Cacacie
Maine Maritime Academy Parents Association Award
Students who display the greatest advancement in each branch of study.
Four $400 Cash Awards
Presented by: Deidra Davis, Dean of Student Services
Winners: Engineering – Donald M. Hustus; International Business & Logistics – Donald M. Hustus; Marine Transportation Operations – Edward John Gilmore, Jr.; Ocean Studies – Katelyn A. Smith
Maine Maritime Academy Student Citizenship Award
The student who leads by example through the demonstration of exemplary conduct, ethical behavior and an appreciation for the diverse experiences and opinions of others.
Two Wristwatches
Presented by: Deidra Davis, Dean of Student Services
Winners: Rachel Bunker & Justin Waceken
Maine Maritime Academy Student Life Award
The student who has made significant contributions to the enrichment of the student experience for all through their own involvement in the continuation and implementation of student programs that support or compliment academic, professional, and/or social activities on and off campus.
Diploma Picture Frame
Presented by: Deidra Davis, Dean of Student Services
Winner: Avae Laurin Traina
Marine Transportation Faculty Award
Awarded to the Marine Transportation Operations or Vessel Operations and Technology student who has demonstrated an exemplary level of character and professionalism, earning the highest respect of the Marine Transportation professors.
Binoculars
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Rheann June Dionne
Nathan Corning Award
Excellence in Marine Science.
$500 Cash Award
Presented by: Dr. Jessica Muhlin, Chair, Ocean Studies Department
Winner: Jessica Marie Lindsay
Ocean Studies Research Award
Awarded to the student for quality in undergraduate research as demonstrated by commitment to excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Two $500 Cash Awards
Presented by: Dr. Jessica Muhlin, Chair, Ocean Studies Department
Alexa J. Cacacie
Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Award
MTO or VOT: Excellence in shiphandling.
$250 Cash Award
Presented by: Captain Richard Miller, Chair, Marine Transportation Department
Winner: Matthew Scott McCarty
Spill Control Association of America (SCAA) Award
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding interest, creativity, initiative and commitment to Environmental Excellence in the performance of their course of study.
Weems & Plath Gimballed Box Clock and Certificate
Presented by: Dr. Jessica Muhlin, Chair, Ocean Studies Department
Winner: Sydney Kathleen Adams
Walter Travis Award
Presented to a graduating senior for excellence in waterfront operations.
Engraved Plaque and Check for $400
Presented by: Captain Dana Willis, Director of Waterfront Operations
Winner: Jakob John Hemmerlein
Questions or requests about disability-related access or accommodations for public events should be directed in advance of the event to MMA’s Accessibility Services at 207-326-2489 or accessibility.services@mma.edu.
All Rights Reserved © 2025 • Web issue?
Non-Discrimination Notice • Privacy Policy & GDPR