Webb Institute Mourns the Loss of Philanthropist, Mathematician, and our Guest Lecturer, Jim Simons
Webb Institute mourns the loss of Dr. James (Jim) Simons, a renowned mathematician, investor, and philanthropist known for his groundbreaking work in geometry and topology. He founded Renaissance Technologies, one of the world’s most successful hedge funds. Dr. Simons, along with his wife Marilyn, generously supported a wide range of causes, including Webb Institute.
In 2011 and 2014, the Simons made gifts to Webb in support of scholarships. These contributions have helped our students to pursue their education and careers in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Despite Dr. Simons achievements in finance, he told us what brought him to Webb – his interest in boats. As he stated “I have had a lot of boats, and I have loved every one of them.”
Dr. Simons captivates the audience with his Zeien Lecture on “Mathematics, Common Sense, and Good Luck.”
John Russell ’67, Dr. Simons, and former Webb President Robert C. Olsen share a moment in the auditorium following Dr. Simons’ presentation at Webb.
In April 2011, Dr. Simons presented at Webb as a Zeien Lecture speaker. His lecture, titled “Mathematics, Common Sense and Good Luck,” was a testament to his passion for mathematics and his ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. His visit to Webb was a memorable event for us. The appreciation he had for boats guided his work, as he stated in the lecture.
“First, don’t run with the pack. Try something different. Secondly, find great partners, people who are really good at what they do. Third, be guided by beauty. Mathematics involves beautiful and elegant systems, and a business organization can be a beautiful system if you have bright people who are motivated and work well together.”
“Jim Simons was not only a brilliant mathematician and a successful entrepreneur, but he was also an incredibly generous philanthropist. His contributions to education have had an impact on countless institutions, including ours. His legacy will continue to inspire and support future generations,” stated Webb Institute’s President, Mark Martecchini.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and the entire Simons family. Jim’s contributions to mathematics, finance, and philanthropy will continue to inspire and support future generations. And his advice to be guided by beauty in our work still lives on at Webb—to evoke a sense of love and romance in everything we do.
The Wallin Legacy at Webb: Appreciation of Arts & Culture
Written by Anthony Zic, Director of Development
The rigors of a Webb education are well documented–based on a systems approach to engineering and designed to be of such quality and depth that all graduates are prepared to enter the profession and hit the ground running. Our Winter Work term provides students with firsthand experience in the industry and encourages attitudes and work habits that contribute to a sense of professional excellence.
As important as these academic tenets are to professional success, there is more to the Webb experience, some of which is less tangible and less STEM-focused. The Wallins, Homer PG’62 and Katherine, better known to the Webb family as Norm & Kitty, had a unique appreciation for the arts and culture. Their hope was “that Webb students could experience an enjoyable time in the Big Apple.” Beginning in 2012, in recognition of Norm’s 50th anniversary of graduation from Webb’s graduate school, the Wallins established the Webb Cultural Enrichment Endowment.
In the years to follow, this fund would subsidize various cultural outings, particularly in the performing arts in the New York area, just as Norm & Kitty hoped it would. Among other memorable events, Webb students had the privilege of experiencing Broadway plays such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Hadestown, Death of a Salesman, and Hamilton. Webb students were also fortunate to witness a performance by the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center, visited the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The impact of these experiences on Webb’s student body is profound. The student-named Culture Club had a patron in the Wallins that would provide invaluable experiences for years to come. Spencer Margosian ’23 served as the Custodian of this club, a role he sought out in the later stages of his second year at Webb, after related activities resumed from a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus. In his hand-written letter to Mrs. Wallin, Spencer recollects,
“I remember the first time I heard about the Culture Club. I wasn’t even a student here yet—I was on my prospective freshman tour of Webb campus and my tour guide made a remark about having recently seen a musical which had been paid for by the Wallin fund…I was immediately enamored with the idea of the Culture Club and loved that an engineering school like Webb was still encouraging its students to get out and experience the arts…”
once again alive and well…the Club is thriving… Your contributions have brightened the lives of more Webbies than I can list.”
“The Webb training and personal connections were valuable and helpful in my duties in the Navy and later in the commercial marine industry. Every time I sensed the need to change jobs, a better one was presented. My 21 years at Keystone Shipping encompassed a golden era, professionally and personally rewarding,” said Norm Wallin PG’62. Norm passed away in 2021, leaving behind his wife Kitty, who continues to generously support the college.
In addition to establishing the Webb Cultural Enrichment Endowment, Norm and Kitty’s gifts enabled Webb to purchase two Lasers and restore the Steinway Grand Piano in the Visconti Reception Room. They also provided funding to refurbish the fountain in the Cuneo Courtyard, which was named as the Wallin Fountain, in memory of their son, LCDR William V. Wallin. Webb is grateful to Norm and Kitty’s for their extraordinary generosity.
Webb Culture Club’s latest adventure to watch Sweeney Todd in New York City.
Renewed Investment in Webb from the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation Drives a Banner Admissions Cycle
Since 2018, the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has played a major role in supporting Webb’s ability to attract and retain the brightest students, regardless of financial means, by providing need-based grants to students for their room and board costs. With contributions of $325,000 over two multi-year grants, the Foundation’s giving helps make a Webb education truly accessible to all.
Webb is experiencing a banner year in admissions with a 32% increase in total applications over the last three years, a 34% increase in female applicants and an over-50% increase in students expected to require financial assistance if admitted, with an increasingly diverse applicant pool and growing numbers of first-generation college applicants. The final makeup of the Class of 2028 is still developing – the admissions process is underway, including student exams, interviews, and overnight visits which give prospective students an appreciation for what makes Webb special – and the support of our donors plays a key role in Webb’s commitment to meeting the full demonstrated need of Webb students.
The Honorable Peter Fox Cohalan, Trustee of the Gardiner Foundation
“The Robert D. L. Gardiner Foundation proudly recognizes and supports Webb Institute’s steadfast commitment to maritime heritage and educational excellence. The Foundation is eager to further William Webb’s mission of attracting and educating tomorrow’s leaders in an extraordinary learning community focused on engineering and design in the maritime field. We are proud of our continued partnership with Webb,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
Students who have benefited from Gardiner Foundation grants echo a collective “thank you” for helping make their Webb education possible. While each Webb student is awarded a full-tuition scholarship, supported by contributions from generous Webb donors which augment the endowment, room and board costs represent a significant outlay for many families, and this additional support is vital to a successful Webb experience.
Amongst current and future Webbies are voices that resonate with hope and gratitude. Some know their life’s path and just need support to navigate it:
“During my college search, I was actively looking for schools with strong naval architecture programs. I then met a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and asked his opinion on what he felt was the best school in this discipline. Without hesitation, he said, ‘Webb Institute!’ After my first visit to Webb, it immediately became my school of choice,” said Rayne Duff ‘25.
Others come to Webb with a passion for engineering and are later exposed to the tight-knit maritime world. Meet Karissa Nieves ’27, whose passion is matched at Webb by the support she receives. “My favorite part of being here is the Webb community. For once in my life, I feel accepted by my peers and have found people that I really connect with.”
Webb’s unique Winter Work internships have just wrapped up, with our students gaining real-life experience working across the United States and around the world. Not only do they come back with tales of discovery, adventure, and friendship, but the internships play a key role in securing the 100% job placement that Webb has become known for.
We thank the Robert D. L. Gardiner Foundation for being part of the Webb legacy that is shaping the future, one student at a time.
The Honorable Peter Fox Cohalan with a group of Webb scholarship honorees.
Professor Michael Martin named the Lester and Mandell Rosenblatt Professor of Marine and Electrical Engineering
Webb Institute is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Martin to the position of Professor and his naming as the Lester and Mandell Rosenblatt Professor of Marine and Electrical Engineering. Professor Martin has continuously demonstrated his commitment and expertise in the realms of marine engineering.
Professor Martin received a Bachelor of Engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). He brings over 26 years of experience as a marine electrical engineer, specializing in a wide range of systems. His deep understanding of applicable codes, standards, and engineering practices has been instrumental in his role at Webb. His innovative work on the Hart Island Replacement Ferry, designing an all-electric, battery-operated ferry, emphasizes his commitment to sustainable engineering solutions. His work with the U.S. Marine Corps, developing an energy model for forward operating bases and a water conservation system prototype, further highlights his expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability.
At Webb, Professor Martin has taught a range of courses, including Programming with Applications, Physics III – Electricity and Magnetism, and Electrical Engineering I and II. His role as a thesis advisor has guided students through significant research projects.
Professor Martin has been a leader in the naval architecture and marine engineering community, serving as Regional Vice President with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) in the New York Metropolitan section. Professor Martin served as past Regional Vice President with SNAME and past Chairman of the New York Metropolitan section.
We look forward to Professor Martin’s continued contributions and leadership in shaping the future of Webb.
Dawn of a New Era in Webb Basketball
Written by Richard Harris
It was certainly at least twelve years ago, and maybe seventeen. Some think maybe longer. However that may be, on November 5, 2022, history was made at Webb. The basketball team won a game! The fall of 2022 saw an influx of freshmen players—Finn Ackerman, Caleb Breckenfelder, Kyle Breen, Ethan DesJardins, Jack Jackson, Aiden Kavanagh, Ryan Krimper, and Corbin Olney, and the return of juniors, Tim Lazouski, Max Mah, Jack Otto, the first appearance of junior Addison Pope. Four seniors—Gabe Allen, Jonathan Allen, Eric Heilshorn, and Mark Reed—anchored the starting team, with the fifth senior, Jacob Dillistin, always calm and dependable, a backup at the guard position. And then there was freshman Andrew Karafa, one of the very rare breed among Webb basketball players: he is 6’4” and he played high school basketball.
Coach Harris talking strategy with the team during a timeout.
So, when the first game of the 2022 season arrived, Coach Koleda and I were wondering how things might go. “Coach K’ had already led the soccer team to two victories in their season, which had ended only ten days before the basketball season began. Now it was up to the basketball team to try to find at least one win too. Unfortunately, true to the Webb tradition, the basketball players had not been able to shoot the 100 to 150 jump shots per day that is considered a bare minimum for development as an effective shooter.
Evidently, the players from the Culinary Institute hadn’t been able to do that either. At the end of a low-scoring first half, Webb led 15 to 10. With many shots being missed, it was important to control the backboards, and Gabe, Eric, and Mark did just that. When Culinary attempted a full-court press, Webb easily broke it. With his ballhandling skills, Jonathan was able to control the ball and set up the offense. As far as scoring was concerned, Andrew took care of most of that. He had ten points at the end of the first half.
A few minutes into the second half, with Webb holding its lead, Lauren Carballo began emailing the students on campus who weren’t at the game to come to the gym to see the possibility of a Webb win. Andrew added another eleven points in the second half. Down the stretch, Jonathan and Caleb added key baskets, and when the final buzzer sounded, the score was 31 to 25. I probably should have searched for a line from Shakespeare that would suit the moment, but I didn’t. I told Lauren that I was simply stunned.
Andrew Karafa ’26 playing for a jump ball.
The remaining games proved more difficult, but I think everyone on the team will remember that day. The win was a tribute to the Webb players who came out for the team in the greatest number ever in Webb basketball history; to the leadership of the team captains, Jonathan and Mark; and to the players’ dedication and commitment to become better players and, win or lose, to enjoy playing the game.
Women’s Basketball
Written by Shayla McCombs
Rebecca Carson ’26 driving to the hoop during a Webb home game.
The 2022 Women’s Basketball team started their season with four returning Seniors. Captains Erin Postma ’23 and Kasey Kennedy ’23 led the way along with Natalie Webb ’23 and Tori Kim ’23. The team was led by our new Women’s Basketball Coach Shayla McCombs, our very own Shanna Hamilton’s daughter! She was an All-Star player in High School and College. The team learned a lot about the game and enjoyed their season. Hopefully, we can get enough interest in the coming years to keep the Women’s team afloat. Congrats to all of the Lady Webbies. Shayla will be the Assistant Coach of the basketball team alongside Richard Harris this fall.