MAY 6, 2023
California State University
Maritime Academy
CLASS OF 2023
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
To the Class of 2023:
Today’s commencement marks the 93rd time that Cal Maritime has gathered to send its graduates off into great and meaningful livelihoods. Congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Although you have spent much of your tenure at Cal Maritime overcoming a variety of challenges, your resilience and success in the face of adversity is a testament to your character, hard work, and resolve. We are proud to call you one of our graduates. This achievement impacts the lives of so many people—yourselves, your families, your faculty, and your alma mater. All these many years you have committed yourselves to excellence in learning, athletics, service, and leadership.
We have watched you blossom in your years at Cal Maritime, and we are confident in your bright futures. We have great expectations as you and your peers begin to take on the mantle of leadership in an exciting, dynamic global maritime profession. The values that you learned and lived at Cal Maritime are timeless and enduring. Knowledge and professional practices change over time, but humanity will always place its highest value on a tireless work ethic, critical thinking, and servant leadership. These qualities and the resilient spirit you have demonstrated will take you far. You are poised for success, and we will remain your greatest supporters.
In the years ahead, we know that you will represent Cal Maritime well. Your future colleagues will not have to ask where you received your education—they will know because you will carry with yourself the qualities of our best graduates: humility, a sense of service to others, and a compelling desire to be the absolute best. Fair winds and following seas all the days of our lives! In service,
Rear Admiral Thomas A. Cropper, U.S.M.S. PresidentCHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE
Dear Class of 2023:
I offer you my most enthusiastic and heartfelt congratulations on achieving this consequential milestone on the journey of a lifetime. Today, we celebrate you—and all the hard work, perseverance and scholarship that brought you here. You will undoubtedly look back on this occasion for many years to come, filled with a well-earned sense of pride in your accomplishments—and maybe even a sense of relief for attaining a goal that, at times, might have felt more than a little daunting.
As numerous forces upended our world, you held firmly onto your dreams and persisted in your studies through challenges none of us could have foreseen or imagined. You have by necessity developed and demonstrated skills—far beyond your academic work—that will ensure your continued success: resilience, flexibility, resourcefulness, patience and tenacity. Your resolve shines brightly as a symbol of hope and optimism. It is admirable. And it is inspiring.
Of course, you did not make this journey alone. We also recognize the faculty who deepened your knowledge and enabled you to see the world from new perspectives. We acknowledge the counselors, tutors, advisors, librarians, coaches and support staff who championed you at every turn. And we appreciate the family, friends and loved ones who encouraged you, uplifted you and supported you along the way. Please remember to thank these important people and let them know how much their support means.
This celebration marks a new beginning for you—a time to commence a new life, filled with opportunities and prospects made possible by your degree from the California State University. With this rite of passage we call “commencement,” you will join a dynamic, global network of more than 4 million CSU alumni. They are a remarkable force for good, and I am certain your addition to their ranks will multiply their contributions to our communities, to our state and to the world. I ask that—in the Cal State spirit—you use the knowledge, skills and personal qualities you have developed to work for justice, seek opportunities to foster equity and always uplift and empower others. Stay connected to your campus and look for ways to give back. And whenever possible, support future generations who aspire to follow in your footsteps. On behalf of the entire California State University, again, congratulations. Sincerely,
Jolene Koester Interim Chancellor
U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION'S MESSAGE
Dear California State University Maritime Academy Graduating Class of 2023:
On behalf of the entire Maritime Administration, I offer my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you—the Cal Maritime class of 2023!
Graduation marks the culmination of four years of hard work, dedication, and preparation. I know that over the course of your time at Cal Maritime, you developed and honed your leadership skills, confronted challenges, learned from and overcame setbacks, and reveled in your victories.
And now, as you move towards your bright futures, I charge you to continue to hone your ability to adapt. It is a critical life skill that will assist you greatly in a world where changes come quickly and often without notice.
Whether your career choices lead you to the bridge of a cargo vessel in the middle of a storm, or to a port call on a clear day, your ability to quickly assess facts and shape your response to meet that moment and accomplish your objective may be just the thing that garners success for both you and your shipmates. Being adaptable builds success.
Now with the guidance of your Superintendent, RADM Thomas Cropper, and your faculty, and staff, you are ready for the next chapter of your careers. You join the ranks of so many exemplary Cal Maritime graduates who will provide fresh leadership and new perspective to our nation’s evolving maritime industry. And we need you—at sea, on the vessels flying our nation’s flag and moving the cargoes on which our economic success and national security depend. Again, from the entire Maritime Administration—we’re so very proud of all that you’ve done during your time at Cal Maritime, and we wish you the best as you begin this next phase in your careers as merchant mariners! Class of 2023, please accept my heartiest Congratulations! May you find fair winds and following seas!
Sincerely,
Ann C. Phillips Maritime Administrator2023 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
ALLY CEDENO, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
WOMEN OFFSHORE FOUNDATION
Ally Cedeno is the founder and president of the Women Offshore Foundation, a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and a 2020 graduate of Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business with a Master’s in Business Administration. She is licensed as a chief mate of unlimited tonnage vessels and has worked as a senior dynamic positioning operator. Ally's experience on the water spans both the maritime and offshore energy industries over the last 15 years. At Transocean, she is the HR focal point for four ultra-deepwater drill ships. Ally spent much of her career at sea as one of the only women in operations on the vessels she worked on, yet she is determined to change that with the Women Offshore Foundation, an online organization and resource center for a diverse workforce on the water. The organization’s mission is to propel women into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources, while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision makers about issues affecting women on the water.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The California State University Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight of the California State University. The Board adopts rules, regulations, and policies governing the California State University. The Board has authority over curricular development, use of property, development of facilities, and fiscal and human resources management.
2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Larry L. Adamson
Diana Aguilar-Cruz
Diego Arambula
Jack B. Clarke, Jr., Vice Chair
Douglas Faigin
Jean Picker Firstenberg
Wenda Fong, Chair
Leslie Gilbert-Lurie
Lillian Kimbell
Maria Linares
Julia I. Lopez
Jack McGrory
Anna Ortiz-Morfit
Yammilette "Yami" Rodriguez
Romey Sabalius
Lateefah Simon
Christopher Steinhauser
Jose Antonio Vargas
EX-OFFICIO
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of the State of California
The Honorable Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of the State of California
The Honorable Anthony Rendon
Speaker of the Assembly
The Honorable Tony K. Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Jolene Koester
California State University Interim Chancellor
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY MARITIME ACADEMY SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Thomas A. Cropper * President
Lori K. Schroeder * Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs
Franz J. Lozano * Vice President, Administration and Finance
Kathleen McMahon * Vice President, Cadet Leadership and Development
Richard P. Ortega * Vice President, University Advancement
Samar Bannister * Commanding Officer, USTS Golden Bear
Graham W. Benton * Associate Provost and Dean, School of Letters and Sciences
Karyn Cornell * Chief of Staff and AVP, University Affairs
Mark N. Goodrich AVP, Enterprise Services
Michael Martin * AVP, Human Resources, Safety and Risk Management, and Diversity and Inclusion
Karen Lee Yoder * Director of Athletics and Physical Education
Christopher Brown AVP, Research and Innovation
Natalie K. Herring
AVP, Enrollment Management
Michael Murray AVP, Facilities Management
Steven D. Browne *
Dean, School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics and Management
Dinesh Pinisetty *
Dean, School of Engineering
Rick Robison *
Dean, Library and Learning Services
David Taliaferro
Commandant of Cadets
Lennon Prothro-Jones
Dean of Cadets
* Platform Party
PROGRAM
COME TO ORDER
POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Kahlai Pratt ’24, Corps Commander, 3/M Intl. Business and Logistics
U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West
Platform Party, led by Representatives of the Faculty Senate and Class of 1973
Faculty
Graduate Students
Cadets
PRESENTATION OF COLORS
NATIONAL ANTHEM
OPENING REMARKS
GREETING FROM CSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES
GRADUATE STUDENT ADDRESS
Cal Maritime Color Guard
U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West
Rear Admiral Thomas A. Cropper, President
Julia Lopez, Trustee
Joyce-Lynn Redondo, ‘23
Master of Science, Transportation and Engineering Management
UNDEGRADUATE STUDENT ADDRESS
Craig Johnson, ’23
Bachelor of Science, Marine Transportation
INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
President Cropper
Ally Cedeno, Women Offshore Foundation
RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
President Cropper
U.S. COAST GUARD LICENSING OATH
Captain Holly Harrison, Chief of Response, Eleventh Coast Guard District
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREES
CONFERRAL OF MASTER’S DEGREES
Dr. Graham Benton, Associate Provost and Dean, Letters and Sciences
President Cropper
HOODING OF MASTER’S DEGREE RECIPIENTS
Dr. Lori K. Schroeder, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREES, CLASS OF 2023
CONFERRAL OF BACHELOR’S DEGREES AND ISSUING CREDENTIALS
CAL MARITIME ALMA MATER
Dr. Benton
President Cropper and Dr. Schroeder
Recorded by Cal Maritime Chorale 2020
Words By Harry Diavatis
Music By Archibald Croswell Weeks and Wilmot Moses Smith
CLOSING REMARKS
President Cropper
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TRANSPORTATION AND ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
The California State University Maritime Academy launched its first graduate degree program, a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management with areas of specialization in Transportation, Engineering Management, and Humanitarian Disaster Management in 2011. This expanded Cal Maritime’s commitment to the development of industry leadership through the offering of an outstanding program which integrates critical thinking and best practices to enable graduates to face present-day challenges and contribute meaningfully to the industries they serve.
The Master’s program provides advanced instruction in business and management fundamentals, coupled with specialized preparation for career advancement in the participant’s chosen specialization. The graduate program was developed jointly by key
University faculty, with detailed input and review from well over two dozen businesses, agencies, professional organizations, and accrediting bodies.
Students graduating with a Master’s degree wear academic regalia which is specific to the institution, the degree level and the academic discipline in which the degree was earned. The untrimmed Master’s robe has oblong sleeves which are open at the wrist and square cut at the rear. The navy and gold lining of the hood represents Cal Maritime’s colors, while the velvet border of Science Gold signifies the realm of Science and Engineering. Following a centuries-old tradition, the Master’s degree candidates will be formally hooded in a ceremony conducted by the President, the Provost, and the Associate Provost.
KELLY AMEZQUITA
South El Monte, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Implementation of Improvements on a Preventative Maintenance Program for a Facility
LORRAINE HORTA
Wilmington, CA
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Implementing Terminal Automation
Transportation
ALI ASHTARI
Martinez, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., Shipping Educational Institute of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Capstone: Innovation in Commercial Ship Surveying
ELIZABETH GROVE BAILEY
Winchester, VA
Engineering Management
B.S., United States Merchant Marine Academy
Capstone: Service Life Extension of the Ready Reserve Fleet: Fast Sealift Ship Conversion
KATHERINE KRONHEIM
San Pedro, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Transitioning to Zero-Emission Cargo Equipment in the Port of Los Angeles
CHRISTOPHER MACK
Tacoma, WA
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Contributing Factors of Mariner Fatigue
Transportation
The California State University Maritime Academy is proud to present the following Class of 2023 as candidates for the Master of Science degree.ELISABETH MCKEE
Hayward, CA
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Transportation
Capstone: Addressing Intermodal Supply Chain Issues Heightened and Created by the COVID Pandemic: The Need for Data
Transparency
JEFFREY PALACIOS
San Pedro, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Development of Evolving Integrated Shipboard
Automation Systems
TOMAS PIERSON PEREZ
Long Beach, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Offshore Wind Farm Proposal for Catalina Island/Santa
Barbara
SHANNA POST-MAHER
Dartmouth, MA
Engineering Management
B.S., Massachusetts Maritime Academy Marine Engineering
B.S., Massachusetts Maritime Academy Marine Transportation
Capstone: Rebuilding Trust and Connection within an Engineering Company to Revitalize Performance, Enhance Recruitment, and Increase Retention
KRISTI SLOANE
Võru, Estonia
B.S., American Military University
Capstone: Maritime Security: The Indo-Pacific
RAUL DANIEL SOLIS
San Diego, CA
B.S., San Diego State University
Transportation
JOYCE-LYNN REDONDO
San Diego, CA
B.S., University of Phoenix
Capstone: Repairing Ship Repair
Transportation
LUCAS RUTHERFORD
Folsom, CA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: The Effects of Tugboat Design on Work and Crew
Habitability
Engineering Management
Capstone: The Importance of Corrosion Control: An Implementation Strategy for Lower Cost and Saving Money
CARLY JENAE STEWART
Renton, WA
Engineering Management
B.S., California State University Maritime Academy
Capstone: Developing an Energy Sustainability Plan for American Towing Vessels
JORDAN TAYLOR
Burlington, VT
B.S., Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Transportation
Capstone: A Recommendation Engine for Spot Charters
GRADUATE FACULTY
Paul Abrams, M.S.
Khalid Bachkar, Ph.D.
Lawrence Bienati, Ph.D.
Thomas Ryan Brindle, M.S.
Matthew Dudman, J.D.
E.M. Ekanayake, Ph.D.
Paul Hein, M.S.
Paul Jackson, D.M.
Hao Lin, Ph.D.
Sean Ratican, Ph.D.
Fred Reiman, M.S.
Irmak Renda-Tanali, D.S.
Nicole Runyon, Ph.D.
David Satterwhite, M.S.
Steven Scott, M.B.A.
CAPSTONE MENTORS
Paul Abrams, M.S.
John Betz, M.S., J.D.
Lawrence Bienati, Ph.D.
Steve Browne, M.E.M.
Paul Hein, M.S.
Paul Jackson, D.M.
William Adam Kilburn, M.S.
Tammie Lasiter, M.S.
Sean Ratican, Ph.D.
Hossein Ray Saray, Ed.D.
Steven Scott, M.B.A.
Alicia Bryant Winterbottom, M.S.
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023
BACHELOR OF ARTS, GLOBAL STUDIES AND MARITIME AFFAIRS
NICHOLAS ALCALAY
Chula Vista, CA
MACKENZIE FINCK ***
Eureka, CA
MICHAEL GUERRA ***
La Habra, CA
JAMES HANHART
Redondo Beach, NY
JOHN ROBERT HICKAM *
Menlo Park, CA
JULIE HOUGH **
Huntington Beach, CA
AARON IANNONE **
Fullerton, CA
ALIVIA JOHNSON ***
Rancho Cordova, CA
ELIOT KOEPP
Bakersfield, CA
KEVIN KOHLES **
Hermosa Beach, CA
TRAVIS LIBERMAN
Mission Viejo, CA
JARED LONG *
Chino Hills, CA
GRANT NAKAMURA *
San Francisco, CA
TYLER NICHOLS
Sacramento, CA
EMMANUEL NWOKO
Eastvale, CA
DUYLAM NGUYEN
Milpitas, CA
º Ensign, Strategic Sealift Officer, U.S. Naval Reserve
^ Ensign, Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy
WAIANA OLSON
Bremerton, WA
TREY PORTER
Pleasanton, CA
ALICIA PORTERVILLALOBOS **
Simi Valley, CA
AMANDA SHEEHAN
Vallejo, CA
MATTHEW SUMMERS *
Gilroy, CA
JESSE SWINEHART
Lacey, WA
AURORA THOMAS ***
Brentwood, CA
SUVACHIRA
TILAKAMONKUL *
Merced, CA
KRISTIYAN TSVETANOV
Elk Grove, CA
NICHOLAS YOON
Long Beach, CA
JILLAN ZAHNISER *
Valley Springs, CA
CINDY ZENO **
Vallejo, CA
* Cum Laude (3.25-3.49 GPA)
** Magna Cum Laude (3.50-3.74 GPA)
*** Summa Cum Laude (3.75-4.00 GPA)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BRAXTON ADDERLY
Fairfield, CA
JOSE CARREON
La Mesa, CA
JORGE CASTILLO
MARROQUIN
Hemet, CA
TYLER CLARKE ***
Livermore, CA
SAVANNAH CONLEY
Temecula, CA
OLIVER FLEMING
Sunnyvale, CA
DANIEL GONZALES
Montebello, CA
MARIA GONZALEZBENAVIDES
Wilmington, CA
MICHAEL GUERRA ***
La Habra, CA
JULIA HELLER
Modesto, CA
THAI HOANG
San Jose, CA
HSIEN KOW
Los Angeles, CA
CHASE LATSON
Redondo Beach, CA
MICHAEL MAES
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
MANUEL MUNOZ
La Puente, CA
AIDAN T. ORTEGA
Redding, CA
RYAN PALMER **
Forestville, CA
MILES PENNINGTON
Marysville, CA
MADELINE
RIVERA
Bakersfield, CA
DAVID SERRANO
West Covina, CA
DEV SRIVASTAV
Yorba Linda, CA
ISAIAH SUGIURA
Honolulu, HI
EVA TOMPKINS
Danville, CA
PARKER WIGHT **
Cottonwood, CA
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, FACILITIES ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
SARAH COLBERT
Granada Hills, CA
SIDENIN CORDOBA
Rosemead, CA
DANANG DRONGPA
Torrance, CA
ZACHARY HEMMERLIN
Napa, CA
JAROD JONES *
Long Beach, CA
RICHARD SINGH *
Hayward, CA
KONG VANG
Oroville, CA
ANGELICA VARGAS
Wilmington, CA
ERIC XIAO
San Francisco, CA
TIANLE ZHAI
Tianjin, China
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARINE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
JACOB ATTAIN
Hawthorne, CA
ANGEL BERMUDEZ
Long Beach, CA
ARON CAMERON
Modesto, CA
PARKER COURTNEY
Chula Vista, CA
IAN FJELSTROM
Kingsburg, CA
WILLIAM
GARRINGTON
San Diego, CA
DYLAN HEPBURN
El Segundo, CA
PHILLIP HUBER
San Diego, CA
DOMINIC JENEVEIN
Concord, CA
MOCHELLE
KAKUMASU ***
Hacienda Heights, CA
MEGHAN KING
Oxnard, CA
AIDEN LYONS
Murrieta, CA
DILLON MENDOZA
Carson, CA
TERRANCE MERRILL
Beaverton, OR
JOSHUA MORALES
Tempe, AZ
JAMES MORRIS
Antioch, CA
BROCK PAQUIN
Vallejo, CA
SPENCER POWLEY *** ^
Huntington Beach, CA
ROBERT REID ***
Independence, OR
NOAH SANDERS
San Anselmo, CA
DANE SUTTON *
Antelope, CA
ZACHARY WESSEL
San Diego, CA
MAXWELL WIEMKEN
Honolulu, HI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARINE TRANSPORTATION
MATTHEW ADOLFWIEDENHOFT *
Everett, WA
EVITA ADRIANO
Balanga, PHL
TONI ALVAREZ
Wilmington, CA
ANDREW ARTASERSE **
Fullerton, CA
ERIN BAILEY *
Prairie Village, KS
ISABELLE BAKER
McLean, VA
JAYDEN BENEDICT
Danville, CA
JACOB BENZ *
Alameda, CA
TREY BOWERS
Long Beach, CA
ANDREW BRITO
RAMOS *
Yucaipa, CA
CADE BROUNLEY *
Long Beach, CA
JACK CAIRES ***
San Diego, CA
KYLE COLLINS ** º
San Pedro, CA
CURTISS CONRAD
Vallejo, CA
WYATT CRITCHFIELD *
Kapaa, HI
LEVI DEVRIES
Bonney Lake, WA
ANELA DONACHIE
Honolulu, HI
JAKE DOUGLAS *
El Segundo, CA
RICHARD EICKERT **
Goleta, CA
EVERETT EMERSON
San Pedro, CA
KYLE FLANAGAN
La Mesa, CA
WILLIAM FORREST ***
Palm Coast, CA
EVAN FRAME *
San Jose, CA
STEVEN FRIEND **
Springfield, MO
ROBERT GIRAUDO **
Pacifica, CA
COLBY GLAZE
South Lake Tahoe, CA
DANNY GUZMAN *
Ventura, CA
VICTORIA HALLER ***
Oakland, CA
STEVEN HOLLANDS **
Granada Hills, CA
GABRIELLE HARRINGTON **
Kapaa, HI
SAMUEL HREHA **
Encinitas, CA
CRAIG JOHNSON ***
Vancouver, WA
SEINE KAPSIAK **
Oakland, CA
BRODY KELLOGG
Kelso, WA
MAKSIM KOGUTOV **
Benicia, CA
NOELLE KOPPING **
Chico, CA
Continued on next page
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARINE TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
DAVID KRESGE
San Francisco, CA
JACK LEBARON
Woodbridge, CA
BRENDAN LEWIS *
Lincoln, CA
MAXWELL MARTIR
Vallejo, CA
JULIA MAST *
Orange, CA
JAY MORRIS **
Costa Mesa, CA
JACOB MATTHEWS
Torrance, CA
GERALD MCLARNON
Mashpee, MA
ZACHARY MCWILLIAMS *
Miami Shores, FL
WILLIAM MEGORDEN **
La Verne, CA
JEFFREY MUELLER ***
Redondo Beach, CA
SEBASTIEN DANIELLE
NARES *** º
Vallejo, CA
MICHAEL PAGLUICA **
Cameron Park, CA
COLTON PETERS
Orting, WA
PATRICK RAUWOLF *
Ketchikan, AK
JAYCI RAZON **
Waialua, HI
JACK REASONER
Fairfield, CA
ANTHONY RICCHIUTI
Temecula, CA
CHARLES ROHR
Homer, AK
LUKE SANDIE
Coronado, CA
SEAN SCHENKENBERGER *
Anchorage, AK
SOPHIE SCOPAZZI ***
San Rafael, CA
MATTHEW SMITH
Vallejo, CA
AVERY STEINHILBER *** º
Foothill Ranch, CA
NICKOLAS SCHEIDER º
Thousand Oaks, CA
NICHOLAS STIMBLE **
Shell Knob, MO
STEPHEN URAMOTO ***
West Hills, CA
CAPRI VALDEZ * º
Torrance, CA
STEFAAN VOSS
Sierra Madre, CA
DOUGLAS WATERS *
Vallejo, CA
DONALD WENSCHHOF º
Barrington, IL
LEAH WYZYKOWSKI **
Wasilla, AK
NICHOLAS YARUSSO * º
Anacortes, WA
JUSTIN ZMINA º
Big Bear City, CA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING REBECCA
LIBBY BOWLES **
Richland, WA
SETH BROWN
Portsmouth, VA
BENJAMIN CLARK *
Vallejo, CA
MADISON DACK *
Brea, CA
LUCIAN DROGO *
San Leandro, CA
TIMOTHY EDWARDS *
Lancaster, CA
BRYAN FERNANDEZ
Alviso, CA
CHRISTIAN FERNANDEZ
Tustin, CA
JACOB GARDINER
Vacaville, CA
RAMIRO GRAJEDA
San Francisco, CA
TY GUEVARA
Temecula, CA
BRYAN FERNANDEZ
Alviso, CA
CHRISTIAN FERNANDEZ
Tustin, CA
EVAN JAMES FISHEL ***
Danville, CA (Posthumous)
JACOB GARDINER
Vacaville, CA
RAMIRO GRAJEDA
San Francisco, CA
TY GUEVARA
Temecula, CA
DAVID HOPKINSPENA
Pleasant Hill, CA BRITTANY
HOLLOWAY º
Canoga Park, CA
MILES KRAUTER
Seattle, WA
SIDHARTH KUMAR
San Ramon, CA
JAYDEAN LAVARES
Vallejo, CA
KASANI LIGGETT
Sacramento, CA
KARISE LIN
Elk Grove, CA
MASLIAH
Beverly Hills, CA
MARGARET
MALMQUISTWEST ***
San Francisco, CA
KOBY MELGAR
PAREDES *
San Pablo, CA
JAKE NELSON ***
Sacramento, CA
JALEN ORION NICOLAS *
Downey, CA
KORT RAMEL *
Folsom, CA
JOEL SHIVER ***
Chilmark, MA
Continued on next page
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (CONTINUED)
NATALIE SO ***
Vacaville, CA
TRINITY SO *
Vacaville, CA
CHRISTOPHER SOILEAU
Vallejo, CA
WESTON SWIFT
South Lake Tahoe, CA
JOSEPH TAJNAI *
San Jose, CA
MATTHEW THOMAS
Kingston, WA
DOUGLAS WHITNEY ***
Grass Valley, CA
JASON YEE
Fairfield, CA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY
MARK YONG QIANG WHEATON *
Santa Fe, NM
LUKE ZEMPEL
Graeagle, CA
REID ZIEBER *** º
Fallbrook, CA
COMMENCEMENT AWARDS
The Commencement Awards recognize those graduating students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, civic and community engagement, shipboard activities, or athletics throughout their tenure at Cal Maritime.
HIGHEST ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Alivia Johnson
Parker Wight
Jarod Jones
Robert Reid
Jeffrey Mueller
Reid Zieber
Mark Yong Qiang Wheaton
BA, Global Studies and Maritime Affairs
BS, Business Administration
BS, Facilities Engineering Technology
BS, Marine Engineering Technology
BS, Marine Transportation
BS, Mechanical Engineering
BS, Oceanography
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY MARITIME ACADEMY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Alicia Porter-Villalobos
BA, Global Studies and Maritime Affairs
TRAINING SHIP GOLDEN BEAR CAPTAIN’S AWARDS
Engine, Meghan King
Deck, Craig Johnson
EXCELLENCE
Michael Guerra
BS, Marine Engineering Technology
BS, Marine Transportation
IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
BS, Intl. Business and Logistics
BA, Global Studies and Maritime Affairs
ATHLETICS AWARD
Reid Zieber
BS, Mechanical Engineering
ACADEMIC REGALIA
The robes, hats, and hoods worn by faculty members and graduates have historical origins and significance. Even the different colors that you see on the regalia are noteworthy. During the Middle Ages, scholars wore wool or fur garments to stay warm in the drafty stone buildings at the earliest English and European universities. Most scholars wore cloaks that included a hood that could be pulled up to keep their heads warm, since many were also monks or priests and had the hair shaved from the crowns of their heads. The academic gowns and hoods were adapted from both secular and clerical garments of the time, and the hood was chosen by the early scholars to indicate the degree held by the wearer through distinctive color, trim, or binding.
The style of academic dress most frequently worn in the United States dates back to colonial times, although it was not formally adopted until near the end of the 19th century. It has remained the general standard in America since, although some variations occur at individual institutions. In the United States, black is the traditional color for academic gowns, however it is not uncommon for some institutions to allow holders of doctoral degrees to wear robes in the university’s color.
The sleeves of the robes vary depending on the degree held by the wearer. The bachelor’s robe has long pointed sleeves. The master’s robes have sleeves that are oblong and are closed at the ends with slits through which the arms may be extended. The doctoral robe has a full sleeve with velvet facing on the front and at the neck along with three velvet bars on each sleeve. The velvet may be black or of a color that symbolizes the degree held by the wearer.
The head covering most commonly used in the United States is the square tasseled mortarboard. However, berets and a variety of other styles of head coverings are worn with academic regalia in the United States and other countries. The tassel is usually black and is worn over the left front quarter of the mortarboard. Holders of doctoral degrees may wear gold tassels.
The hood is the most distinctive feature of American academic dress, which through color and design may indicate the wearer’s degrees and the institution at which the degree was earned. Hoods are lined with the colors of the institution that awards the degree, and may be faced with a color designating the degree awarded. For academic purposes the colors on the hoods indicate the different fields of study.
The following describes just a few color combinations: dark blue—Philosophy; orange—Engineering; golden yellow— Science; light blue—Education; white—Humanities; copper —Economics; and purple—Law. Hoods vary in length.
The bachelor’s hood is about three feet long, the master’s slightly longer and the doctoral version is longer still and is decorated with broad color panels.
CADET LEADERSHIP
The Compass represents the executive leadership at Cal Maritime from four organizations within the Corps of Cadets: Corps of Cadets Staff, Associated Students of California Maritime Academy (ASCMA), Residence Life, and Council of Cadet Athletes. The Compass actively engages the Corps of Cadets to develop distinct leadership styles, enhance campus life experiences, grow on successes and failures, and conceptualize new ways of learning and leading. The focus areas for each organization supports an environment which represents the Cal Maritime core values of dedication, honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trust.
COMPASS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Alicia Porter-Villalobos
Corps Commander, Corp of Cadets Staff
Max Jones
President, ASCMA
Madison Dack
Cadet Housing Director, Residence Life
Kyle Collins
President, Council of Cadet Athletes
CORPS OF CADETS EXECUTIVE STAFF
Alicia Porter-Villalobos
Corps Commander, Corps of Cadets Staff
Sarai Alonso
Corps Executive Officer
Spencer Powley
Corps Operations Officer
ASCMA EXECUTIVE STAFF
Max Jones President
Jeff Mueller
Vice President of Finance
Libby Bowles
Director of Student Affairs
Erin Hulti
Director of Communications
Ryan Okada
Chief of Staff
COUNCIL OF CADET ATHLETES EXECUTIVE STAFF
Kyle Collins President
Mele Tuimaunei
Vice President
Raven Frisell Secretary
RESIDENCE LIFE EXECUTIVE STAFF
Madison Dack
Cadet Housing Director
FACULTY
Joel Aldrich
Miriam Anthony
Khalid Bachkar
Nader Bagheri
Denise Bennett
Laurie Borshard
William Brickham
Timothy Bross
Tamara Burback
Kevin Calnan
Michael Carvalho
Christopher Chiego
Julianne Chisholm
Natalia Clarke
Thomas Clyatt
Joshua Cosgrove
John Coyle
Matt DeTrane
Colin Dewey
Steve Doten
Matthew Dudman
Marie Ekmekjian
Britt Elliott
Anastacia Evans
Matthew Fairbanks
Jonathan Fischer
Christopher Frick
Richard Gambella
Jack Gillespie
Scott Green
David Grover
Olga Gutkina
Jeff Hadian
Lauren Hartman
Peter Hayes
Paul Hein
Steven Hiatt
Michael Holden
Valerie Holl-McGowan
Taiyo Inoue
Christine Isakson
Amber Janssen
Albert Jefferson
Tracey Johnson
Nipoli Kamdar
Michael Kazek
Stephen Kielar
Stephen Kreta
Kenneth LeVan
Tony Lewis
Nicholas Lewis
Steffan Long
Han Lu
Katherine Luce
Kevin Mandernack
Kathryn Marocchino
Elizabeth McNie
Dianne Meredith
Jennifer Metz
Rebecca Miller
Keir Moorhead
Ali Moradmand
Craig Musburger
Robert Neumann
Thomas Nordenholz
Zachary Nosker
Tomas Oppenheim
Alexander Parker
Amy Parsons
Samuel Pearson
Samuel Pecota
Brent Pohlmann
Lisa Reilly
Fred Reiman
Eusebio Rodriguez
Igor Romanchenko
Steven Runyon
Kevin Sandifer
David Satterwhite
Emily Scheese
William Schmid
Megan Segle
Sarah Senk
Ariel Setniker
Joshua Shackman
Julie Simons
Aparna Sinha
Amy Skoll
Antony Snell
Louis Solana
Scott Starr
Ryan Storz
Michael Strange
Joanne Strickland
Marisa Sutro
Jordan Taylor
David Telgen
Nicole Travis
Cynthia Trevisan
William Tsai
Thomas Tucker
Ryan Wade
Ian Wallace
Lin Wang
Jeffrey Ward
Margaret Ward
Tammy Williams-Mansuy
Frank Yip
Julieta Zuniga
MISSION
California State University Maritime Academy’s mission is to:
• Provide each student with a college education combining intellectual learning, applied technology, leadership development, and global awareness.
• Provide the highest quality licensed officers and other personnel for the merchant marine and national maritime industries.
• Provide continuing education opportunities for those in the transportation and related industries.
• Be an information and technology resource center for the transportation and related industries.
BELIEFS AND VALUES
California State University Maritime Academy is defined, in part, by the system of beliefs that make us unique as an institution of higher education. They are:
• experiential learning
• ethics development, both personal and professional
• small residential campus environment
• student centered learning
• professional orientation
• having a niche to focus on in higher education
• campus civility and collegiality
• diverse living/learning community
Our values influence how we make and carry out decisions, and how we interact with our internal and external constituencies. At Cal Maritime they are dedication, honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trust.
VISION
California State University Maritime Academy will be a leading educational institution recognized for excellence in the business, engineering, operations, and policy of the transportation and related industries of the Pacific Rim and beyond.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We want to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Indigenous People past and present. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.
HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY
Founded in 1929 as the “California Nautical School,” California State University Maritime Academy is in its ninth decade of service as a center for excellence in education and research in maritime trade and transportation.
This school was first located in Tiburon, on the Marin Peninsula north of San Francisco. In 1936, the U.S. Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act, which directed the creation and maintenance of an adequate merchant marine to support U.S. international and domestic commerce, and to meet the needs for national defense. Responding to this mandate, the federal government and the California state legislature began supporting the California Nautical School’s mission. In the early days, only three-year deck engineering programs were offered.
In 1939, the school changed its name to California Maritime Academy. In 1940, with war looming, the Academy was relocated to San Francisco. With the start of World War II, the course of study accelerated to 17 months, and many Academy graduates served in the war. In the midst of the war effort, a new permanent home for the academy was established in 1943 on a 67-acre site at Morrow Cove in Vallejo.
In 1973, California Maritime Academy became the first in the nation to enroll women in its licensed maritime program. In 1974, a four-year undergraduate program was established, laying the groundwork for accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Nautical Industrial Technology and Marine Engineering Technology were the four-year majors offered. In the late 1980s, majors in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration were added, and the Nautical Industrial Technology program was replaced by Marine Transportation.
In 1995, Cal Maritime became a member campus of the California State University (CSU) system. In 1996, Cal Maritime introduced a Facilities Engineering Technology major. A new science and engineering lab building was completed in 1999. The curriculum further expanded in 2003, when the major in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs was introduced.
Today, Global Studies and International Business and Logistics major programs are part of the School of Letters and Sciences. Also in 2003, the Academy dedicated its new Technology Laboratory and Classroom Building. Cal Maritime added its first graduate degree program in 2011, expanding the university’s commitment to the development of industry leadership through advanced instruction building on its existing programs. The University has continued to expand its resources and enjoy growing support from the private sector to meet new challenges. McAllister Hall, a residence hall named for Robert McAllister (D’42)—the largest individual, private donor to the institution— opened in 2009. The Academy also opened a new state-of-the-art Marine Simulation Center, already one of the world’s most advanced facilities for maritime teaching, training, and research.
In recent years, the University has constructed a new waterfront Dining Hall and Physical Education and Aquatics Center, featuring new gymnasiums, training rooms, and a maritime survival training center. Renovations to Mayo Hall, the oldest building on campus, were recently completed to focus on cadet needs and meet campus goals for sustainability.
Strategic planning efforts have identified potential areas of continued growth in response to industry demand for skilled and well-trained graduates with a sense of purpose and global perspective, while maintaining points of differentiation that make us unique and sustaining the Academy’s relevance to the maritime and related industries. In the fall of 2020, Cal Maritime launched its new Oceanography degree program, capitalizing on the Academy’s location and emphasis on experiential learning. The future looks strong and bright with continued support from alumni, industry, and friends.
The seal of California State University Maritime Academy incorporates the Academy coat of arms and motto, adopted in 1941 as the nation was entering World War II.
The Latin slogan below the shield, trident and flanking sea horses translates “To work, (or) to fight; we are ready.”
It was created by Academy Cadet Raymond Aker (D-42).
We Remember
James A. Butts
John A. Cleborne
Erwin N. Cooper
James A. Hendy
Erwin T. Horn
H.D. McNabe
John L. Rados
Walter Secrest
William H. Verdon
William C. Weldon
Richard B. Wilkie
Our Academy graduates lived up to our motto, serving with distinction in the Merchant Marine and various branches of the armed forces. Many saw action. Some became prisoners of war, and 11 died in the line of duty. Their names are memorialized on the cornerstone of the Cal Maritime Mayo Hall and will not be forgotten. We honor their memory and that of other Academy graduates who have served or who serve today in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
ALMA MATER
Near the bay of San Francisco tucked in Morrow Cove; Is a school we’ll not forget, though round the world we roam. Light the boilers, weigh the anchors, now we’re in the breeze. And we wish for all our shipmates, smooth winds and foll’wing seas.
We may sail the world twice over, all the seven seas; Through the straits of old Gibraltar, — the narrows of Valdez. But whenever hearts grow lonely, bounding on the main, We’ll think of you our Alma Mater, and that will ease the pain.
Though the years may dim our mem’ries, of our youthful ways; The image of our dear companions will linger in the haze. California Maritime, we’ll ne’er forget when we Spent our days in love and friendship and endless harmony.
THANK YOU
California State University Maritime Academy
extends sincere appreciation to its many friends and supporters who have helped us achieve a global reputation for excellence in maritime trade and transportation education, training, and research.
©2023 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY MARITIME ACADEMY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.