The article entitled, "Go to the Head of the Class" (MR/EN, Sept. 1999) presents a refreshing example of progress in maritime education. Professors Femenia and Butman of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are to be commended for developing a Shipyard and Marine Management Program that is responsive to the needs of the maritime industry, and one that exemplifies the synergy of education and industry working together. I commend NASSCO and Atlantic Marine for their participation as mentors, providing internship opportunities that successfully foster the goals of the program. Their investment in the program appears to be paying off. A few years ago I was invited by Prof.