Change seems to be the operative word for this past year and your Alumni Association has been part of it.
We have seen the installation of the new Admiral, Jerry Achenbach, and increased number of students and graduates particularly in engineering, increased utilization of the training ship and significant planned improvements to the facility.
The Alumni Association has participated in all these areas, being teachers, assistants, crewmembers and volunteers. We were able to offer our scholarship of two $750 awards thanks to the contributions of our members. Both the deck and engineering sides have enjoyed additional financial support from this association for special ongoing projects.
As our membership roster grows, so too will our ability to support the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. We welcome your continued participation especially in light of the many changes occurring or planned for our industry. The prestige and influence the Academy is steadily increasing as our graduates find work within the region and worldwide.
We wish fair winds to you and your families and look forward to your continued support of the Association.
As always, smooth sailing and best wishes.
Around the GLMA Campus
It has been another busy year at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. We have a new class and the senior cadets are finishing their license examinations.
The first year students completed their initial summer sea project aboard the State of Michigan which included a Cleveland Indians baseball game, a stop at Houghton, Duluth and a day at Mackinac Island.
The summer cruise was smooth sailing and the ship ran perfectly thanks to the efforts of Captain Surgalski, Chief Engineer Soboleski and the many Alumni graduates who served as her crew.
A big thanks to all our fellow Alumni who saluted the State of Michigan around the lakes.
MARAD Bio-fuels Project
After the summer cruise the TS State of Michigan was recruited to participate in a comprehensive algae bio-fuel project for MARAD. This study is being done concurrently with the US Navy.
Minor modifications were made to the vessel which allowed segregation of the special fuel and the installation of sensors. During the performance tests the vessel was operated daily for one month with the ship departing each morning and returning for the evening. Additional testing was done pier side. Currently, the bio-fuel is being retained aboard the vessel for cold storage testing.
Harbor Improvements Planned
The Corps of Engineers and NMC have made plans for improving the GLMA harbor.
The 2.6 million dollar project is in the final planning stages and is funded. NMC has agreed to pay 600K towards the costs of improvements. The new break wall will control the sediment inflows while providing better harbor utilization. Construction could start as early as September 2012.
Ship Simulator Upgrade
GLMA’s bridge simulator will receive an extensive upgrade. The current system can not receive further servicing and is in need of replacement.
This summer, TRANSAS provided a demo version of their bridge simulator. The system meets the requirements of the school and has been chosen as the replacement.
The bridge simulator and six additional work stations provide photorealistic details and are configurable for a vast number of scenarios. It is capable of providing ECDIS and radar simulations. The total cost for the upgrade will be 600K which will replace the existing bridge simulator.
GLMA Alumni Scholarship Awards
After a tough review of the submitted applications, the Cadet Scholarship Committee presented their recommendations to the membership.
The Alumni are proud to award the scholarship winners; Brad Szczotka (D) and Michael Nowiki (E).
Brad and Michael were each awarded a $750 check to help offset the costs of their education. Congratulations!
Alumni Family Weekend
This year the Alumni weekend will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge. This is a change from the previous years. The Board felt that this would present a more family friendly environment.
This year’s events are planned for Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of 2012. We will be hosting our dinner event at the Great Wolf Lodge. Hotel reservations can be made at the Lodge by calling (231) 941-3600.
Alumni Weekend Schedule
17 Feb (Fri) Meet & Greet 8:00 pm
Traverse City Elks Club (Free Beer & Hors D’oeuvres)
18 Feb (Sat) Business Meeting 10:00 am
GLMA – Room 222
Alumni Reception 6:00 pm
Alumni Dinner 7:30 pm Great Wolf Lodge
Room rates for the Great Wolf Lodge will be $189.00 per night. Call 1-866-954-9654 with reservation code 1202GREA. Bring the kids and enjoy the indoor water park.
GLMAA Grants
This year the Association was pleased to be able to increase the funding of its GLMA Grant program to $500 for each department.
The Grant is given to the Deck and Engine departments for their discretionary use. Last year the deck department used the money for their nautical almanac books and the engineering department purchased much needed teaching aids for use in their labs.
Our continued support towards these items has been well received by the staff.
George Rector Award
The Association is always considering nominations for the George rector award for community service.
This award is for Alumnus who has “given back” to his/her community through volunteer service.
This award is often presented to a non-sailing graduate, so please consider all alumni you know, and help us give them the recognition for their efforts. These people are probably not “self-promoters”, which is another reason we present this award.
Please let any board member know your suggestions.