Capt. Michael Tolley ’93 is Humanitarian Award Recipient

Capt. Tolley is the 2019 recipient of the MMA Alumni Association Humanitarian Award for his rescue of 236 Syrian refugees stranded in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Humanitarian Award is presented to an MMA alumna/us who personifies the spirit of humanitarian commitment, compassion, and impartial service to assist those in need or distress. Examples of qualifying criteria and deeds, at sea or ashore, include: direct involvement in rescue and/or lifesaving efforts; dedication to improving the health and well-being of others; and/or significant involvement with the preparation, prevention and/or response to natural and/or man-made disasters and emergency situations.

Capt. Tolley will be honored at the Homecoming 2019 Reception on Friday evening, September 20.

Read his story of the rescue

And for a recount of the rescue, plus a narrative of his remarkable career at sea, check out the Mariner feature, “Pirates, Pluck and Providence.”

Last year, Capt. Paul Jacobs ’58 was the inaugural recipient of this award for his role in leading 30,000 Vietnam refugees to safety during the fall of South Vietnam.

Jacob’s story was also featured in Mariner: “Passage to Freedom.”

Photos: courtesy of Michael Tolley

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