AWARDS AND AWARDEES
TOTAL PERFORMANCE
CHAFFEE MEMORIAL PRIZE
Maximilian S. Mah
for general excellence
{Sponsored by Trustee Emeritus, Joseph J. Cuneo ’57}
LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS
PATRICK S. MATRASCIA GOOD SHIPMATE AWARD
Kohta J. Erdos
for working unselfishly and in harmony with classmates
{Sponsored by President Emeritus R. Keith Michel ’73 & Family}
THE CHARLES KURZ II (Hon.) COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Christopher S. Grieves
for exemplary commitment of service to others through volunteerism, community service, and civic outreach
{Sponsored by Charles Kurz II (Hon.)}
PAUL E. ATKINSON MEMORIAL PRIZE IN ETHICS
Alexander L. DeMeo
for ethical behavior
{Sponsored by Paul E. Atkinson Memorial Fund}
ACADEMICS
J. LEWIS LUCKENBACH MEMORIAL PRIZE
Matthew C. Coogan
for highest general average over four years
{Sponsored by the American Bureau of Shipping}
CHARLES A. WARD, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD
Richard S. Thill II
for excellence in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
{Sponsored by Chairman of the Board, Bruce S. Rosenblatt and the Ward Family}
JENS T. HOLM ’41 MEMORIAL AWARD
Richard S. Thill II
for excellence in marine engineering
{Sponsored by George A. Gilmore ’57}
KEELER MEMORIAL PRIZE
Matthew C. Coogan
highest average in mathematics
{Sponsored by Past Trustee, Dr. Luther Tai}
RICHARD A. PARTANEN HUMANITIES AWARD
Richard S. Thill II
for excellence in humanities
{Sponsored by the Class of 1987}
CURRAN MEMORIAL PRIZE
Kenna R. Reed
for most outstanding and consistent improvement
{Sponsored by Past Trustee, John A. Malone ’71 and his wife Amy}
THESIS
STEVENSON TAYLOR MEMORIAL PRIZE
Kenna R. Reed & Kadi Zheng
for excellence in the senior thesis
{Sponsored by the American Bureau of Shipping}
LEWIS NIXON MEMORIAL PRIZE
Alexander L. DeMeo & Addison R. Pope
for excellence in the senior thesis
{Sponsored by Trustee Emeritus, John W. Russell ’67}
Webb Institute Celebrates 128th Commencement with Inspiring Keynote by Tech Entrepreneur, Diane B. Greene
GLEN COVE, NY – June 17, 2024 – Webb Institute, a leading institution for naval architecture and marine engineering, celebrated its 128th commencement ceremony this weekend, marking a significant milestone for its graduates and the maritime community. The event featured a keynote address by Diane B. Greene, renowned technology entrepreneur, co-founder, and former CEO of VMware, who shared her inspiring journey and insights on leadership, innovation, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Diane B. Greene being awarded her Honorary Doctorate Degree from Webb President, Mark Martecchini and Board Chair, Bruce Rosenblatt
In her address, Ms. Greene emphasized the power of following one’s passion and embracing curiosity. Reflecting on her own path, she recounted a pivotal moment when a professor encouraged her to pursue naval architecture at MIT, a decision that ultimately shaped her career. “That little bit of encouragement to stretch myself beyond where I imagined my capabilities was enormous in altering the course of my life,” she shared. “I still aspire to help others as that professor helped me.”
Ms. Greene’s journey through MIT was marked by a blend of rigorous academic pursuit and personal passions. “At MIT, I learned rigor and developed a new area of interest—computer science,” she said. “Meanwhile, I was having fun on the water while, unbeknownst to me, continuing to develop my leadership skills through running regattas.” She emphasized the importance of curiosity, noting, “Humans are born with innate curiosity. Over my entire career, it has remained one of the most important qualities I look for when hiring someone.”
Drawing parallels between her experience and the education at Webb Institute, Ms. Greene praised the graduates for their depth of knowledge. “I have to say the more I learn about Webb Institute, the more I see that much of the value of your education is that you’ve all gone deep,” she remarked. Sharing advice she often gives to entrepreneurs, she said, “When I advise entrepreneurs, I always remind them that they are, or need to be, the world expert in what they are building.”
President of Webb Institute, Mark Martecchini speaks at its 128th commencement
Ms. Greene also touched upon the exciting future of naval architecture, highlighting opportunities in simulation, automation, new materials, and manufacturing processes, all leading to greater sustainability. “Naval architecture today seems to have amazing opportunities…All these things will help move the world forward,” she concluded.
Webb Institute’s President, Mark Martecchini expressed his pride in the graduating class and gratitude to Diane Greene for her inspiring words. “Our graduates are set to make significant contributions to the maritime field and beyond. Diane Greene’s journey and insights have given them the inspiration and guidance to excel in their careers.”
About Webb Institute:
Webb Institute is a top-ranked institution dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in naval architecture, marine engineering, and fields beyond, with every student receiving a full-tuition scholarship. With a rigorous curriculum, hands-on internship experiences, and a strong emphasis on innovation, Webb Institute graduates are highly sought after by leading companies in the maritime industry.
Class of 2017 Graduates from Webb Institute
On Saturday June 17, 2017, Webb Institute awarded nineteen Bachelor of Science degrees at its 121st Commencement Ceremony. Each graduating student received a dual degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Webb’s commencement ceremony opened with the singing of the National Anthem by the WooFs (Webb Family Singers) and included inspirational remarks from the ceremony’s Principal Speaker, Bruce S. Rosenblatt.
Rosenblatt, President of Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, LLC, and Chairman of Webb’s Board of Trustees, addressed graduates on building and expanding relationships, both personal and professional, as a key to success. “Within minutes, you’ll shift from being students at Webb to becoming alumni of Webb,” said Rosenblatt. “Within a short while you’ll start your careers and your marine industry family will quickly grow to include your bosses, co-workers, customers, the vendors you work with, and a myriad of others. That’s a great thing and be sure to take advantage of it as there will be many people out there who will want to help you to be successful, just as others had done for them.”
Additional remarks were made by President R. Keith Michel, Dean Matthew Werner, Former-Dean Richard Neilsen, and the Class of 2017’s Student Speaker, James Morrissey.
Morrissey’s humorous speech touched on the importance of the “family” dynamic amongst students and the unforgettable memories they have made during their years at Webb. “We’ve been through a lot together,” said Morrissey. “Four years at Webb, seven naval architecture classes, six marine engineering classes, four semesters of math, all the classes in between, container ship design, and thesis. Through all that we’ve really come together not only as a class, but as a family,” said Morrissey.
In addition to the awarding of degrees, several students received additional awards and prizes for their outstanding academic achievements in a variety of areas, such as excellence in thesis and mathematics.
Following commencement, Webb’s Class of 2017 will spread out across the country and the world to begin graduate work or start their professional careers in the marine industry. Notable employers include: Carnival Cruise Line, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and Cruise Lines International Association.