Castine, Maine – The Honorable David T. Matsuda, Maritime Administrator. will address the graduating class at the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) 69th Commencement on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 11 a.m., in the Alexander Fieldhouse.
As Maritime Administrator, Matsuda is the highest-ranking official of the Maritime Administration of the United States. In this role, he advises and assists the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on commercial maritime matters, the U.S. maritime industry, and strategic sealift.
“The Maritime Administration is critical to the furtherance of U.S. maritime trade, work force development, and maritime education,” said MMA President, Dr. William J. Brennan. “The partnership the Maine Maritime Academy and our fellow state maritime academies have with the Maritime Administration is vital to our success. We’re honored that Maritime Administrator Matsuda will travel to Maine to welcome the newest contingent of professional mariners to the industry.”
Commencement activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the annual awards program in Delano Auditorium, Leavitt Hall. The college’s class of 2012 includes 1 associate in science, 176 bachelor of science, and 12 master of science degree candidates. An additional 29 associate in science degree candidates from the college’s educational program with Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, will participate in commencement exercises. The graduating class represents more than 100 Maine communities and 21 other states, as well as Canada, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.