There are some 40 Maine Maritime graduates who work for the academy. Nearly half of them are represented here.
They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills from their days at MMA and real-world experience back to the academy. They represent a unique strength of the college.
And though each person tells his or her story differently, there are certain echoes in those stories. (more…)
HELLO!!When asked for a recollection of MMA sailing team history during his tenure as MMA Waterfront Director over a span of 40 years, Phil Harman carefully hand-wrote much of the following about a team with humble beginnings that rose to be a national champion and international competitor.
Harman’s role in this success, which he modestly excluded, was recognized by his induction in 2004 to the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service. (more…)
HELLO!!When you graduate from MMA with an engineering degree you know how demanding the work can be, but it opens the door for many career opportunities. So, there’s an equation that doesn’t add up for Professor of Engineering Barbara Fleck.
Why do few women enter the field? Approximately 30 women are enrolled in engineering majors at MMA (out of 543 total). In the United States, 20 percent of engineering school graduates are women, according to the Society of Women Engineers. And they make up only 11-14 percent of practicing engineers. (more…)
HELLO!!died November 29, 2017. After MMA, he entered the maritime industry as a third mate, attained the rank of Chief Mate, shipping throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. He aptly carried out many assignments throughout his long career sailing on supertankers, car carriers, and cargo ships, including the wartime logistics ships supporting the US Navy during the Persian Gulf War.
HELLO!!died November 25, 2017 in Limington, Maine. At age 7, “Skip” found his lifelong passion when he obtained his license for lobstering. While at MMA, he was a Dean’s List student and also shined in football, rowing and on the track. His first job was as a merchant mariner delivering wartime supplies to Vietnam. After three years of shipping out, he returned to the US, bought a new lobster boat and became one of Portland’s top lobstermen and a waterfront icon. For the past 30 years, he fished with his boat, Foxie Lady. Throughout his lobstering career, Werner was known for his scientific approach to lobster trap design and fishing techniques. His incessant and gregarious commentaries over the boat’s VHF radio energized, entertained, and educated three generations of lobstermen. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Maine Maritime Academy, Development Office, Pleasant Street, Castine, ME 04420
HELLO!!died November 14, 2017 in Bangor, Maine. After graduating from MMA, he served 26 years in the US Army. Edgecomb worked as Water Treatment consultant for various companies, retiring after several years of employment as a boiler inspector for the state of Maine. He loved to travel; whether it was touring other countries, traveling state to state, or driving the back roads of Maine. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his daughters and grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion Post #84 of Orono.
HELLO!!died November 2, 2017 in Old Town, Maine. Rhoads lost his parents at the age of 17 and decided to leave school his senior year to attend MMA. This was during WW II when a rapid buildup of the Merchant Marine was required with a critical need for engineering officers. But by the time he graduated, the war had ended. He sailed summers as a third engineer on merchant ships, while attending the University of Maine.
He graduated in 1950 with a BS in Agricultural Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. He worked for farm equipment manufacturer in Michigan before accepting a teaching position at the University of Maine where he was Professor Emeritus of Bio-Resource Engineering and later became Associate Dean Emeritus of Resident Instruction. Rhoads was a dedicated advocate for his students and was admired and respected by students and colleagues alike. He was always active in the UMaine community, serving as an advisor to Alpha Gamma Rho Agricultural Fraternity, establishing Maine Ag in the Classroom, and helping to found the Page Farm Museum. He was an active member of the Orono United Methodist Church, where he gave back to his community through many types of service.
HELLO!!died October 30, 2017 in Maine. He graduated from MMA with a US Navy Commission, his Bachelor’s degree and license to sail as a third mate in the Merchant Marine. He preferred working on cargo freighter ships. During the Vietnam War he worked for Sealand Shipping and transported war supplies from San Diego to Saigon. He later came ashore and worked for Brown and Williamson for the next 25 years, but he and his family stayed close to Maine’s waters by spending their summers in a cottage on a lake in Casco. Pollard enjoyed boating, fishing and other water activities, especially with family. His work brought him to all areas of Maine, including some of the most remote parts of the state. As he approached retirement, he started to take travel and tourism classes in preparation for another career. He was hired by Maine Tourism and Information Center in Yarmouth as a manager. He enjoyed meeting people from around the world who shared their impressions of Maine and New England. He was a good listener and a very eager and friendly manager. Traveling, especially on the ocean, was his favorite past time.
HELLO!!died October 15, 2017. Kilian obtained a BS in Marine Transportation Operations from MMA, and was employed as a chief mate with US Shipping. He was an avid boater and sailor and attended Seacoast Church Mount Pleasant.
HELLO!!died October 21, 2017 in Greenport, Virginia. He graduated from MMA with a Marine Engineering degree and was self-employed.
HELLO!!
