2018 Alumni Awards

Humanitarian, Wall of Honor inductees, Outstanding Alumni to be recognized at Homecoming.

This year’s Alumni Association Alumni Awards include a new category, the Humanitarian Award, that will be presented to Capt. Paul Jacobs ’58 for his epic humanitarian achievement during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

To learn more about this fascinating effort that resulted in the rescue of more than 30,000 lives, view the U.S. Navy documentary, The Lucky Few.

U.S. Navy documentary, The Lucky Few.

The qualifying criteria for the award are based on deeds at sea or ashore that include recognizing an alumnus who:

  • personifies the spirit of humanitarian commitment, compassion, and impartial service to assist those in need
  • is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others
  • is dedicated to preparing for or preventing disasters and emergencies
  • who saved lives through her or his direct action(s)

Wall of Honor

In 1997 Maine Maritime Academy created a Wall of Honor to recognize alumni who, through their achievements in professional and civic life, have brought honor to themselves and the academy.

The 2018 inductees are Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon ’82 and Rear Adm. Bryan P. Cutchen ’83.

The Wall of Honor was established not only to recognize and honor alumni for their achievements, but also to allow their accomplishments to serve as inspiration to students and alumni, current and future, to strive for excellence.

Each nominee must be a graduate of MMA and own, serve as president, CEO, or Chair of the Board of Directors of a company; or have been elected to the office of governor, U.S. House of Representatives or Senator; or have achieved the rank of flag officer in a branch of the military. Also considered by the committee are education beyond MMA, professional honors and awards, community service and voluntary service to MMA.

Outstanding Alumnus

The 2018 recipient is Eugene H. “Gene” Spinazola ’61 (posthumously).

This award recognizes one or more graduates who have distinguished themselves in the maritime field, the Armed Forces of the United States, in their chosen profession or for outstanding public service.

The Wall of Honor and Outstanding Alumnus awards are based on nominations from MMA alumni and community.

Learn More

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William Mahoney
5 years ago

Is it possible to buy a CD copy of the of “The Lucky Few”? I am an Officer of the American Legion Post 25 in Bar Harbor, Maine and would show this great story of a fellow MMA Alumni ,Captain Paul Jacobs. and other locals here on Mount Desert Island groups.

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Sam Bulger
5 years ago
Reply to  William Mahoney

I might have an extra copy.

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billysims
5 years ago
Reply to  William Mahoney

While it is difficult to obtain DVD copies of the film, you can view it via YouTube or download a copy in mp4 format at https://ia802503.us.archive.org/5/items/THELUCKYFEWWMV91280x72016x9/THE_LUCKY_FEW-WMV9%201280×720%2016×9.mp4.

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