This year, the Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association awarded the prestigious Outstanding Alumnus Award to Charles “Cal” Lechman, Class of ’65 at the Alumni Reception held Friday night during Homecoming Weekend. Cal’s service to MMA and the Alumni Association started 46 years ago, when forming the Erie Canal MMA Alumni Chapter while working with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. Cal has served on the MMA Alumni Association Board for many years; he was first elected in 1971.
Retiring after a 32-year career, Cal moved back to Maine. In 2006, Cal was elected treasurer of the MMA Alumni Association, a very challenging position that he still holds today. He is very involved with the Casco Bay chapter, currently serving as its treasurer and was president from 1980 to 1982.
Cal has generously donated to many MMA fund raisers, capital campaigns, activities and gatherings. He has participated in the annual MMA Marine Flea Market, a popular attraction and successful MMA scholarship fund raiser at the annual Maine Boatbuilders Show. He has worked tirelessly as an alumni volunteer for MMA’s Night by the Bay event, and is a regular attendee at Homecomings, area events, meetings, and vessel receptions.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Calnow lives in Harpswell, Maine with his wife, Jan Sims-Lechman.
Pictured with Cal (center) during a recognition ceremony at halftime of the football game are Joe Cote, ’82, president of the MMA Alumni Association (left) and Dr. William Brennan, president of MMA (right).
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