Webb Institute Announces the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Annual Scholarship Recipient


Webb Institute, a four-year college specializing in naval architecture and marine engineering, proudly announces Barr Turner, Jr. as the fifth recipient of the annual American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Scholarship.

The ABS Scholarship Program provides financial support to deserving engineering and naval architecture students based on GPA, class rank, leadership ability, and faculty recommendations. The scholarships are part of a broad program at ABS that supports students in the offshore oil and gas and maritime industries.  Each year, two Webb scholars, a junior and a senior, are the beneficiaries of a full-tuition scholarship and a $2,500 room-and-board stipend.  The students apply for the ABS award during their sophomore year, and each year one student is selected to receive the award spanning their junior and senior years of study.  Last year, Thomas. J. Brackin, Jr. was selected as the fourth recipient of the ABS Annual Scholarship.

“An important part of the mission of ABS is to help shape the next generation of leaders in the maritime industry,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, who is a member of Webb Institute’s Board of Trustees. “We are proud to partner with Webb Institute and wish the scholarship winners success in their studies and future professional pursuits in the maritime industry.”

Barr is a junior student from Neptune, New Jersey.  He has an outstanding academic record and is exceptionally engaged in the Webb community as Student Organization President, a member of Webb’s Leadership Committee, and Chairman of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) Student Steering Committee. Barr is also a member of Webb’s choral group.

“Barr is an excellent student and an important member of our campus community,” said Dean Matthew R. Werner.  “During his time at Webb, Barr has shown a commitment to leadership, community service, and professional development.  I am confident that Barr will use his Webb education to become a valuable contributor to the future of the maritime industry.”

Barr has excelled during his winter internships, a Webb Institute requirement for all students.  This experience provides hands-on experience working in shipyards, aboard ships, and in design offices throughout the world. As a freshman, Barr spent two months in Seattle, Washington, at Foss Maritime Company as a shipyard intern.  In his sophomore year, he gained insight into ship operations and systems as an engine/deck cadet for Matson Logistics aboard the Maersk Manoa, an 860-foot container ship, on which he traveled between the ports of Oakland, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Seattle, Washington.

Barr documented his whole experience aboard the Maersk Manoa.  His blog can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.brokenskeg.com/matson/.  Currently, Barr is in Washington, D.C. spending his winter internship working with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

“ABS is widely recognized as a worldwide leader in fostering maritime education,” said Webb President Keith Michel. “Webb is proud of its partnership with ABS, as we jointly strive to prepare the next generation of naval architects and marine engineers to tackle the increasingly complex technical challenges facing the marine industries.”

About Webb Institute

Founded in 1889 by William H. Webb, Webb Institute is a top-ranked undergraduate engineering college specializing in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Webb provides full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students; admission to Webb is extremely competitive with a maximum of 28 students being accepted into the program each year. Webb Institute prides itself on a 100% placement rate for graduates, who are highly sought after by all segments of the marine industry. The campus is located on a beautiful, waterfront site in Glen Cove, NY.  For more information, visit www.webb.edu.

About ABS

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property, and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.

For more information contact:                  

Kerri Allegretta                                 
Director of Media Relations & Communications
Office: (516) 403-5392
ude.bbew@attergellak