News From Fort Schuyler

August 9, 1999 - Volume 3, No. 34

THE COMMISH - News from the Indiana Port Commission that JOE R. GERSON, Class of 1947, has been appointed to a four-year term on the Port Commission. In appointing him to this post, Governor Frank O'Bannon noted that: "Joe has spent his professional career in maritime commerce and the transportation industry and will be a valuable addition to the Indiana Port Commission." Joe, a May 1999 recipient of an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the Maritime College, has been a dedicated, fervent and generous supporter of the College and its programs for many years.

NEW FACES IN THE FORT -The college president, Adm. DAVID C. BROWN, has announced the appointment of two top administrators. The new Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs is Dr. JOHN J "JACK" HAMPTON. Dr. Hampton is currently the Dean of the School of Business at Central Connecticut State University. The Admiral writes that: "He brings a high level of energy and dedication to ensuring that the college will provide an outstanding education for our students as we prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world of the next century." Also joining the senior administrative team as Vice President for Administration/Chief Operating Officer is Dr. KIMBERLY R. CLINE, currently VP for Finance & Administration at Seton Hall University. Admiral Brown notes that "She is excited and enthusiastic about joining the Maritime College Family and our management team at this time of change and great promise for the school."

Welcome aboard.

JOIN THE ONLINE ALUMNI FORUM - All alumni are invited to sign up for DomeNet, the online discussion group run by the Alumni Association. JOE TARTAGLIA, Class of 1976, wants to build up the size of DomeNet now that it's been perfected. To join, go the alumni homepage, scroll down a bit and enter your name/class and email address: http://www.fsmaa.org

HE WAS IN THE NEWS - In the 28 July New York Times' Letters to the Editor section to be exact. He being Dr. PAUL LEVY, Chairman of the Science Department. His letter, headlined "Don't' Blame Tenure" responds to charges that the shortage of scientists in the United States is caused by tenure. Noting that the main reason for tenure is assuring academic freedom, he concludes: "The fact that this country's young people are not attracted in large numbers to the sciences is a difficult problem that is not going to be solved by taking potshots at a system that perpetuates free thought."

COLLABORATION ELABORATION - When the EMPIRE STATE VI returned from the Summer Sea Term on July 13, the capabilities of a "wearable computer" produced by the Xybernaut Corporation were demonstrated at a live onboard demonstration. According to a company press release on July 12, Edward Newman, the CEO of Xybernaut stated that: "It is our intent to help make the Maritime College the world's leading teaching institution in taking technology to the maritime industry. There's never been a better environment for our two organizations to develop the benefits of distant [sic] learning and just-in-time training techniques, as well as a fully integrated completely mobile support system for onboard operations." For more information go to: http://www.xybernaut.com

ON THE WATERFRONT - While waiting for that good breeze on the Sound, Waterfront Director, DAVE COUGHLIN, Class of 1988, has been busy. You can see the results when you click on "Waterfront" at the college homepage. It brings you to a new website at http://www.nymsailing.com (Note - There is currently no link BACK to the homepage from the Waterfront site, but pay a visit.)

SOME WENT ON TO OTHER ENDEAVORS - Every summer the Luce Library must hire a non-cadet to work as a page while the ship is away. Our 1981 page, a Fordham freshman, PATRICK M. SHERIDAN, was recently appointed Executive Producer of CNBC's new website: CNBC.com

(Source: KATHLEEN PYZYNSKI, Systems Manager at the Luce Library -and Patrick's cousin.)

PIONEER OUT OF SOUTH STREET - Our library colleagues at the South Street Seaport are sponsoring a fund-raising sail aboard the schooner PIONEER to support their library program from 7:00- 9:00 on Monday evening, August 16. The cost is $15 (or $25 per couple) Bring food, they'll supply cold beer and sodas. R.S.V.P. to Gretchen McKenzie by August 13: (212) 748-8786.