In a ceremony launching “The Harlem Hellfighters: Citizens, Soldiers, Patriots Project,” on Saturday, November 16, 2019, Assistant Dean Richard Harris was honored with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his efforts in preserving and making known the story of the World War I U.S. Army 369th Infantry Regiment, which became known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.”

This African American unit achieved a remarkable record of courage, determination, and dignity in the face of unconscionable prejudice and discrimination on the part of many in the country they served. Forty-four men from Glen Cove and nearby towns were members of the unit, whose training officer was Richardson Pratt, nephew of Herbert L. Pratt. Four members of the regiment from Glen Cove—Sgts. Joseph Carmen, Richard Fowler, Jeremiah Reid, and Lt. Richardson Pratt, were awarded the French Croix de Guerre for bravery in battle.

The highlight of the event was Congressman Tom Suozzi’s awarding the Purple Heart to the daughter of Leander V. Willett of Oyster Bay, 101 years after her father was wounded in battle in World War I.

On Saturday, October 26, the Webb community celebrated the official Ribbon-Cutting for the Couch Academic Center.

The Couch Academic Center is a state-of-the-art academic facility housing all academic functions and maximizing student and faculty collaboration. “Hidden” under a green roof and overlooking the Long Island Sound, the academic center features collaborative student project and innovation spaces, integrated student design studios and classrooms, team rooms, computer and innovation/makerspace labs, a research center, faculty offices, and a student lounge. The architecture firm, Bentel and Bentel of Locust Valley, came up with the creative concept of this two-story building featuring green rooftop terraces, and DHI Construction of Lake Success, led the construction effort.

“I am honored to serve as Webb’s President on this historic occasion. This new building will propel Webb into the 21st century—a major leap forward for our academic program.” declared Webb president, R. Keith Michel ’73. “The new academic center will have an immediate impact on the recruitment and retention of faculty and students.”

Student Jackson Juska ’21 is looking forward to, “the classrooms being right on the water. All the huge windows let the natural light in…and we can see the Long Island Sound, ships, and boats, which will be a good reminder of what we are here for.”

The event included the dedication and ribbon-cutting of the new building, a presentation of 19 named spaces, unveiling of the statue of William H. Webb, Webb’s founder, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner. Remarks were made by Webb Institute President, R. Keith Michel ’73; Campaign Chairman and Board of Trustee member, Joseph Cuneo ’57; and Board of Trustee member and honorary alumnus, John Couch, who spoke on behalf of the Couch Family for whom the academic center is named. The event concluded with a 60-drone evening light show, in which the drones assembled into different nautical images.

“These amazing new facilities are incredibly important to Webb’s continued success,” said Mr. John Couch. “The overarching objective is to better prepare Webb graduates for what will certainly be a more dynamic, exciting and challenging high-tech future. This milestone confirms the commitment of Webb’s community to the Institute’s continued progress and preeminence in the fields of naval architecture and marine engineering. I am delighted to be able to honor my father, Richard B. Couch ’33, in this manner.”

The Couch Academic Center was made possible through contributions made to the Campaign for Webb, during which Webb secured a record-breaking $51.6 million in gifts and pledges. The Campaign was made possible by the generosity of the Webb alumni, 83% of whom contributed; the leadership of the seven Keystone and Cornerstone donors who contributed $5 million and $2.5 million or more, respectively; and, nearly 1,800 donors, including parents and friends of Webb.

View the entire Ribbon-Cutting photo album on Smugmug.

Webb Institute, proudly announces Reneé Tremblay ′20 as the eighth 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. This scholarship is part of a broad program at ABS that supports students in the offshore oil and gas and maritime industries.  Each year, a Webb student is awarded a full-tuition scholarship and a $2,500 room-and-board stipend.  The seventh recipient of the ABS Annual Scholarship was Sarah Stretch who graduated from Webb in June 2019. 

Reneé is a Webb senior from Bristol, Rhode Island.  In addition to her outstanding academic record, Reneé has served the Webb Community as Co-Chair of the Leadership Committee, Public Relations Chair, member of the Women of Webb (WoW), and this year, Membership Chair for her section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).

“Reneé is an exemplary student leader within our campus community,” said Dean Matthew R. Werner.  “During her time at Webb, she has been a shining example for other Webb students through her studies, community service, and professional development.  We are proud to have selected Reneé for this honor.”

Reneé has thrived during her winter internships, a Webb Institute requirement for all students.  Winter Work provides hands-on experience at shipyards, aboard ships, and in design offices throughout the world. As a freshman Reneé worked at Vigor Fab Shipyard in Oregon, sailed from Texas to South Korea aboard a liquified natural gas carrier as a sophomore, and in her junior year, worked in the Carnival Cruise Line world headquarters. 

“Education is at the heart of the ABS mission. We are committed to investing in the next generation and to ensuring the maritime industries continue to attract the brightest and best. We will need all their energy and expertise to capitalize on the opportunities offered by digitalization and the low carbon economy, while continuing to advance the cause of safety at sea,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO.

“ABS is widely recognized as a worldwide leader in fostering maritime education,” said Webb President R. Keith Michel. “We are proud to continue our partnership with ABS in preparing the next generation of naval architects and marine engineers for the ever-changing challenges within the marine industry.”

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.