Class Notes

  • 1950

    Joseph Leclair spent his entire life in the marine industry. After sailing with Farrel Line, NY, leaving as chief mate, he moved his family to California where he found employment with Matson Navigation Co., eventually rising to Senior VP and President of its subsidiary Matson Terminal.

  • 1955

    John Thurau pictured in his California home garage with his BMW Z8.

  • 1956

    Hugh Brunson survived two hurricanes with Milton’s eye passing overhead. His American and MMA flags were raised the next day, but clean-up and repairs took three months.

  • 1958

    On July 4th, 2024, Gerhard Hoppe and wife Joanne celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

  • 1958

    Everett Cooper lives in Lakewood, WA with his wife Alicia. His son Eric is a law student at Hofstra University and his daughter Laura is a professor in the California University System.

  • 1960

    Norman Marchant is living in NE Florida and loving it!

  • 1960

    George Leonard visited with Capt. Bill McKay ’60D at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home on the 29th of November 2024. Leonard found McKay in good spirits and interested in the comings and goings of members of the class of 1960. McKay would love to hear from classmates and alumni in the area.

  • 1962

    Norman Laskay continues to write a monthly blog sent out individually to subscribers, through Linked-In or on DLSMarine.com at Insights. Two years before the IMO regulations on Green House Gas emissions, he began covering the many variations that the industry is using to comply as the emission limits get more difficult to meet. Since appraisal of marine assets is important in the shipping business, a part of his audience is those in domestic and foreign lending. The constant research that Laskay conducts for the monthly blog takes him to many interesting sources. This item may be of interest to the alumni and possibly to students. You can check it out while it is still in its youth. splash247.com/shipping-gets-its-own-social-media-platform

  • 1964

    Louis Dunlay says, “hi to all – still kicking!”

  • 1964

    Chuck Sherman states, “17.5 more years of ‘Seasoning’ to reach 100 years old.” He recently met Travis Mills and heard him speak about his foundation for recalibrated veterans.”

  • 1968

    Capt. Almer Dinsmore was recently honored for his 35 years of service with the Maine State Ferry Service by having a new ferry named after him.

  • 1972

    Steven Goulet is keeping busy every day. The Lord has kept him very healthy working for Him.

  • 1976

    Christopher Fay had his first opportunity to attend the International Workboat Show in New Orleans this past November. He states it was great to see MMA’s booth and talk with fellow Mariners. He also talked with Texas and Great Lakes Academy representatives and was impressed by their programs as well. Stiff competition for applicants for MMA. He spoke to the CEO of The Glosten Associates, a nationally renowned naval architecture and marine engineering firm after a presentation on the Baltimore bridge incident. The CEO noted that our classmate Rick Schuster worked at Glosten for many years, and that Schuster was the best engineering mentor he ever had. Always nice to hear how leaders in industry respect MMA graduates.

  • 1979

    Michael Donovan retired February 1, 2024, and is living the good life in sunny Florida.

  • 1981

    Mark Amundsen has been named the new chief operating officer of Steamship Authority. As the COO, Amundsen will be responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all activities of the Marine Operations and Shoreside Operations departments, the Engineering Department, and the Operations and Communications Center. Amundsen joined the Authority in 2019 and has served as the director of marine operations and director of engineering and maintenance.

  • 1982

    Pat Moriarty worked in the power generation business specializing in operation and maintenance of large hydro-electric machinery for thirty years. Although an avid amateur woodworker throughout his adult life, it was not until retirement that he became interested in the challenges of sculpted furniture (conwaychair.com). Moriarty’s pursuit for perfection stems from his lifelong practice in traditional Okinawan Karate. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Matsubayashi Ryu. When not woodworking or refurbishing vintage machinery, Moriarty enjoys spending outdoor time with his wife Donna and their Belgian Malinois puppy Ajinsan.

  • 1983

    John Janowicz retired from shipping after 30+ years of sailing on MEBA contracted vessels. His last assignment, starting in 2015, was Permanent Master on the Maersk line managed Car Carrier Alliance Norfolk. Janowicz is looking forward to finally staying at home with his wife and family.

  • 1985

    Scott Cooledge spent 30 years as a US Navy pilot, retired as a Navy Captain and Commodore in 2016. Since then, he has lived quietly in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia enjoying retirement. Fly Navy!

  • 1985

    Classmates Jeff Richards and John Burns visited with Head Women’s Basketball Coach Craig Dagan at the Spring Career Fair.

  • 1990

    John R. Turner, Ph.D. is now an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas (Human Resource Development). Texas A&M University is the dream job for John, and he and his family are enjoying College Station!

  • 1992

    Mark Higgins has been named General Manager of Camden Operations at Lyman-Morse. Higgins brings more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry. Higgins has held leadership roles at General Dynamics, American Overseas Marine, Edison Chouest Offshore, Tidewater Marine International, and the Maine State Ferry Service. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the Steamship Authority, overseeing marine and shoreside departments, engineering, and facilities. This expertise will be instrumental in enhancing operations at the Camden facility.

  • 1994

    William H. Childs is the Senior Maintenance Supervisor/Chief Engineer Working for TransOcean on the Deepwater Titan in the Gulf of Mexico. He currently lives in Norway, Maine, with his wife Terry and their dog Omra.

  • 1999

    Linette Casey received a 2024 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Award for her outstanding leadership and accomplishments in clean energy. The C3E Awards gives recognition to mid-career women in clean energy fields by celebrating their achievements and contributions. Casey has established herself as an expert in driving the renewable energy transition and finding sustainable solutions for energy-intensive industries. She collaborates with customers across the energy industry—including industrial, utility, and renewable sectors—on both local and global scales. In her current role as a Sales Account Manager, Casey works across the renewable energy field—from onshore and offshore wind to solar and storage—supporting a range of clients that include engineering, procurement and construction companies; developers; startups; utilities; and regulating bodies.

  • 1999

    John Holmes recently relocated from Georgia to Boston, Mass. He’s living downtown and loving being back up north amongst his people and having a Dunkin’ at every corner!

  • 2001

    Captain Josh Fields, a native of both Muskogee, Oklahoma and Jay, Maine, is currently serving as the Executive Officer at SUPSHIP Bath. Captain Fields’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various service and unit awards.

  • 2002

    Lucas Henderson currently resides in Halifax, Virgina, with wife Laura, and has completed five years with Consolidated Asset Management Services as VP of Operations.

  • 2002

    On April 2, 2025, Commander Carl Rhodes ’02 took command of NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in Kodiak AK. In his crew is another MMA alum John Markillie ’25. Rhodes also is happy to announce his nuptials to Letica Corona.

  • 2006

    Andrew Ropp and Heather Wheaton welcomed baby Nelle in March 2025.

  • 2006

    Joe Crowe and Dana Howell welcomed baby Sadie during the summer of 2024.

  • 2006

    Michael Stutevoss has been a Harbor Pilot with Tampa Bay for the last two years and loves that his office has an ocean view. He currently lives with his wife Ashley and 7-year-old twins in sunny Palm Beach County. Stutevoss is so appreciative of the education he was able to receive at MMA and thanks the school for much of his success.

  • 2009

    Matt Hofer started a new position as Chief Mate on the TV State of Maine.

  • 2010

    Kat Stori started a new position with BETA TECHNOLOGIES as the Machine and Composite Shop Integrated Product Team Leader.

  • 2011

    Luke Rancourt has built an impressive and unique career shaped by the discipline, resilience, and leadership principles instilled during his time at Maine Maritime Academy. His experience at MMA provided him with the foundational tools, structure, and work ethic needed to excel in high-pressure environments and navigate complex challenges. He attributes much of his success to these formative experiences and remains deeply grateful for the lessons MMA imparted. Most recently, as the Global Product Strategy and Marketing Leader, he has leveraged cross-functional collaboration to assess and enhance new product and service opportunities within the power generation sector. Beyond his professional accomplishments, He is a proud father of two: Porter, age 9, and Iris, age 7, where 100% of his free time is happily spent. He is also set to graduate from the Executive MBA program at the University of Central Florida’s School of Business.

  • 2012

    Chelsea Pettengill has been selected to serve as the Maine Port Authority’s interim Executive Director. Pettengill has served as the Deputy Director of the MPA since 2023. In that role, she worked with port facilities along the Maine coast to develop projects, maintain infrastructure, and promote Maine’s position in North Atlantic trade and the greater New England region.

  • 2012

    oshua Shaw VOT ’12, Master, Raener Flowers MEO ’15 Assistant Engineer. The vessel, MV Harvey Stone, is contracted through Blue Origin and is responsible for towing their Landing Platform Vessel #1 (barge Jacklyn). The MV Harvey Stone is responsible for towing the autonomous barge to a designated location to retrieve rockets. It involves breaking tow at sea and standing by at a safe distance. Once the rocket has been recovered and it’s safe to approach, the tug will reconnect their tow line and return to port with it. Shaw and Flowers ran into each other on board the Harvey Stone during the infant stages of this new sector of the marine industry. Company: Harvey Gulf International Marine; Vessel: Harvey Stone; Class: Multi Certificated freight, offshore supply and industrial towing vessel. 220’L x 59’W x 25.7’D; Total BHP: 10,000

  • 2013

    Wilson Briggs has worked in many fields since graduation from shipping and oil spill response, power plant operations, facility maintenance, chemical plant maintenance. He currently works at a large saltwater wave tank as a Mechanical Engineer with a Testing and Research company.

  • 2014

    Zachary Lawrence has been named the Director of Engineering and Maintenance for the Steamship Authority. As director of engineering and maintenance, Lawrence will report directly to the chief operating officer. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day and long-term operations and maintenance of vessels, terminals, and other shoreside facilities, and for maintaining the Steamship’s long-range maintenance and operational requirements.

  • 2016

    Derek Roberts is a United States Army Ranger – 1st Ranger Battalion and received his MBA in 2024 from Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School.

  • 2018

    Erin Donlon is scheduled to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on May 31, 2025, in Lewiston, Maine.

  • 2021

    Samantha Mason was recently featured in MaineBiz’s 40 Under 40. She is a test planning supervisor at BIW with a desire to mentor.

  • 2023

    Rebecca Rankin has started a new job as a tattoo artist at Keepsake Tattoo in Oregon.

Invest in the Future

  • 1992

    Mark Higgins has been named General Manager of Camden Operations at Lyman-Morse. Higgins brings more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry. Higgins has held leadership roles at General Dynamics, American Overseas Marine, Edison Chouest Offshore, Tidewater Marine International, and the Maine State Ferry Service. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the Steamship Authority, overseeing marine and shoreside departments, engineering, and facilities. This expertise will be instrumental in enhancing operations at the Camden facility.

  • 1994

    William H. Childs is the Senior Maintenance Supervisor/Chief Engineer Working for TransOcean on the Deepwater Titan in the Gulf of Mexico. He currently lives in Norway, Maine, with his wife Terry and their dog Omra.

  • 1999

    Linette Casey received a 2024 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Award for her outstanding leadership and accomplishments in clean energy. The C3E Awards gives recognition to mid-career women in clean energy fields by celebrating their achievements and contributions. Casey has established herself as an expert in driving the renewable energy transition and finding sustainable solutions for energy-intensive industries. She collaborates with customers across the energy industry—including industrial, utility, and renewable sectors—on both local and global scales. In her current role as a Sales Account Manager, Casey works across the renewable energy field—from onshore and offshore wind to solar and storage—supporting a range of clients that include engineering, procurement and construction companies; developers; startups; utilities; and regulating bodies.

  • 1999

    John Holmes recently relocated from Georgia to Boston, Mass. He’s living downtown and loving being back up north amongst his people and having a Dunkin’ at every corner!

  • 2001

    Captain Josh Fields, a native of both Muskogee, Oklahoma and Jay, Maine, is currently serving as the Executive Officer at SUPSHIP Bath. Captain Fields’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various service and unit awards.

  • 2002

    Lucas Henderson currently resides in Halifax, Virgina, with wife Laura, and has completed five years with Consolidated Asset Management Services as VP of Operations.

  • 2002

    On April 2, 2025, Commander Carl Rhodes ’02 took command of NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in Kodiak AK. In his crew is another MMA alum John Markillie ’25. Rhodes also is happy to announce his nuptials to Letica Corona.

  • 2006

    Andrew Ropp and Heather Wheaton welcomed baby Nelle in March 2025.

  • 2006

    Joe Crowe and Dana Howell welcomed baby Sadie during the summer of 2024.

  • 2006

    Michael Stutevoss has been a Harbor Pilot with Tampa Bay for the last two years and loves that his office has an ocean view. He currently lives with his wife Ashley and 7-year-old twins in sunny Palm Beach County. Stutevoss is so appreciative of the education he was able to receive at MMA and thanks the school for much of his success.

  • 2009

    Matt Hofer started a new position as Chief Mate on the TV State of Maine.

  • 2010

    Kat Stori started a new position with BETA TECHNOLOGIES as the Machine and Composite Shop Integrated Product Team Leader.

  • 2011

    Luke Rancourt has built an impressive and unique career shaped by the discipline, resilience, and leadership principles instilled during his time at Maine Maritime Academy. His experience at MMA provided him with the foundational tools, structure, and work ethic needed to excel in high-pressure environments and navigate complex challenges. He attributes much of his success to these formative experiences and remains deeply grateful for the lessons MMA imparted. Most recently, as the Global Product Strategy and Marketing Leader, he has leveraged cross-functional collaboration to assess and enhance new product and service opportunities within the power generation sector. Beyond his professional accomplishments, He is a proud father of two: Porter, age 9, and Iris, age 7, where 100% of his free time is happily spent. He is also set to graduate from the Executive MBA program at the University of Central Florida’s School of Business.

  • 2012

    Chelsea Pettengill has been selected to serve as the Maine Port Authority’s interim Executive Director. Pettengill has served as the Deputy Director of the MPA since 2023. In that role, she worked with port facilities along the Maine coast to develop projects, maintain infrastructure, and promote Maine’s position in North Atlantic trade and the greater New England region.

  • 2012

    oshua Shaw VOT ’12, Master, Raener Flowers MEO ’15 Assistant Engineer. The vessel, MV Harvey Stone, is contracted through Blue Origin and is responsible for towing their Landing Platform Vessel #1 (barge Jacklyn). The MV Harvey Stone is responsible for towing the autonomous barge to a designated location to retrieve rockets. It involves breaking tow at sea and standing by at a safe distance. Once the rocket has been recovered and it’s safe to approach, the tug will reconnect their tow line and return to port with it. Shaw and Flowers ran into each other on board the Harvey Stone during the infant stages of this new sector of the marine industry. Company: Harvey Gulf International Marine; Vessel: Harvey Stone; Class: Multi Certificated freight, offshore supply and industrial towing vessel. 220’L x 59’W x 25.7’D; Total BHP: 10,000

  • 2013

    Wilson Briggs has worked in many fields since graduation from shipping and oil spill response, power plant operations, facility maintenance, chemical plant maintenance. He currently works at a large saltwater wave tank as a Mechanical Engineer with a Testing and Research company.

  • 2014

    Zachary Lawrence has been named the Director of Engineering and Maintenance for the Steamship Authority. As director of engineering and maintenance, Lawrence will report directly to the chief operating officer. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day and long-term operations and maintenance of vessels, terminals, and other shoreside facilities, and for maintaining the Steamship’s long-range maintenance and operational requirements.

  • 2016

    Derek Roberts is a United States Army Ranger – 1st Ranger Battalion and received his MBA in 2024 from Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School.

  • 2018

    Erin Donlon is scheduled to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on May 31, 2025, in Lewiston, Maine.

  • 2021

    Samantha Mason was recently featured in MaineBiz’s 40 Under 40. She is a test planning supervisor at BIW with a desire to mentor.

  • 2023

    Rebecca Rankin has started a new job as a tattoo artist at Keepsake Tattoo in Oregon.

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