Alumni President's Message

Underway and Making Way: The Strength of Mariners Moves MMA Forward

Andrew Strosahl

Alumni President
Andrew Strosahl ’05

OPEN THIS ISSUE OF MARINER and a clear course comes into view: Maine Maritime Academy is underway and making way.

From the arrival of a new training vessel to expanding academic programs, from industry partnerships to workforce investments, the Academy continues to evolve in ways that position today’s students—and tomorrow’s graduates—for success in a rapidly changing maritime landscape.

But as much as things change, one constant remains: the strength of our alumni.

Every advancement highlighted in these pages—whether it’s new opportunities for students, recognition from industry partners, or investment in the future workforce—builds on a foundation that generations of Mariners have helped create. That foundation is not just financial or institutional; it is personal. It’s the network, the mentorship, the shared identity, and the willingness of our alumni to stay engaged.

As President of the Alumni Association, I see that connection in action all the time. Our alumni show up at career fairs, support cadet shipping and internships, advocate for the Academy, and lend their time and judgment when it matters. Just as important are the quieter ties—staying in touch, keeping the lines open, and remaining part of the MMA community.

This summer, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen those connections.

As the Academy’s new training ship makes inaugural calls in ports including Galveston, Charleston, Port Everglades, and Boston, a series of onboard receptions are bringing Mariners together. These aren’t just events—they’re opportunities to reconnect in a setting that reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Whether you’re stepping aboard to see the new vessel for the first time or reconnecting with classmates you haven’t seen in years, these moments matter. They reinforce what makes MMA unique: a community that endures long after graduation.

At a time when the Academy is growing, adapting, and strengthening its ties to industry and the global maritime community, alumni engagement is more important than ever. It ensures that the values, traditions, and professional standards that define Maine Maritime Academy continue to thrive.

So as you read about the programs, partnerships, and milestones in this issue, consider where you fit in the voyage ahead.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the months to come—on deck, in port, and wherever Mariners cross paths.

Fair winds,
Strosahl
Andrew Strosahl ’05
President, Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association