News From Fort Schuyler

March 8, 2002 - Volume 6, No. 9

REMEMBERING STAN - On Sunday, March 3, 2002, the college lost one of its most vibrant, charismatic and thoughtful administrators with the death from cancer of STAN MELASKY, Executive Director of the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler Foundation. Stan, a big, genial man with an exuberant personality, arrived at Fort Schuyler in 1998. He was a quick study and soon deeply involved in college life. A staunch supporter of library and campus cultural activities, Stan used his network of contacts and broad range of experience in developing programs. According to his foundation colleague, Anne Marie Antonescu, Stan attended "...DeWitt Clinton HS in the Bronx, got his BA in Communications at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Certificate in Fundraising at Hofstra University. He did fundraising in New York, Toronto and Illinois. He had his own business in Toronto.." setting up, among other things, the national fundraising campaign for the Canadian Hemophilia Society. While in Canada, Stan also gained recognition as a musician, playing guitar and bass with Mikel Miller's Yukon-based folk group during its formative years in the 1980's.

The Foundation's chairman, RON RASMUS, Class of 1960, posted a tribute to Stan in the Class News 'Ebb Tide' section at the Alumni Association website (www.fsmaa.org/classes/EbbTide.cfm). It reads in part: "Those of us who worked with Stan, know that he was a sincere and gentle person with a very kind heart, and truly believed in his work and loved the Maritime College and its cadets. He did great things for the Foundation and the Maritime College, and most recently, just prior to becoming ill, was successful in obtaining the largest scholarship endowment gift in the College's history. So many acts of kindness and generosity to cadets can be attributed to Stan, who could always be counted upon to help or get help for a cadet in distress, or assist a college organization in need."

Stan is survived by his wife Pamela and a son.

MARKING FIFTEEN YEARS - There was an all-star cast at the 15th Annual Black History Month banquet held on 28 February. The program, sponsored by the Maritime College chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Cultural Club, featured music by Saint Augustine's College Gospel Choir and a presentation about the black navigator, politician, and former slave - Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) by CAPT MARK BODDEN, Class of 1978. Scholarship funds were presented to the college, on behalf of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates, by CAPT ROBERT COOK, Class of 1980 and CAPT HOWARD B. WYCHE, Class of 1979. This year an OBMG award recognized the suspended Chairman of the Engineering Department, CHARLES MUNSCH, Class of 1973, for his outstanding service to the college as a mentor, coach, and teacher.

INSIDER RATE FOR ALL - The Admissions Office has answered a recent query from JIM MALONEY, Class of 1980, who asked if NY resident tuition rates applied to all regional applicants, or just those choosing the full license/regiment/Merchant Marine Reserve program. Admissions replied: "All students at Maritime College, whether MMR or not, benefit from the regional status with Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. All students from these states pay NY tuition rates ($3,400 tuition per year) as opposed to out-of-region tuition ($8,300) This is a savings of $19, 600 over four years."

"Cadets who are selected for the federal Student Incentive Program (SIP) receive $3000 per year. They must be US citizens, physically qualified for the merchant marine license and not have reached their 25th birthday at the start of the program. Out-of-region students who are selected to participate in SIP pay in-region tuition fees in addition to the $3000 incentive payment."

Jim concludes: "When a job is well done, it should be recognized. The Admissions Office responded ... with a thorough explanation ... Kudos to Ms. WHITMAN [Deirdre A. Whitman, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Campus Life] and her staff for providing a prompt and thorough response..."

CADETS HELPING OTHERS - Here's an update from Student Propeller Club Secretary TIM MURRAY, Class of 2002: "About 12 members traveled to the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park ... to serve the families a dinner provided by the Outback Steakhouse in Bayside. We received a very warm response from all the families, whose children are patients in the Schneider Children's Hospital...Two families were not able to attend the dinner because of their children's condition, so four of our members brought the hot meal to them in the hospital. ..... we are looking forward to future opportunities to serve the community." [Well done.]

ALUMNI CREW CRUISE - The D.C. Chapter of the Alumni Association invites alumni and friends to join them in Baltimore for a two-hour cruise aboard the gaff rigged topsail schooner, CLIPPER CITY, on May 19, 2002. (www.sailingship.com) Cost: Adults - $13, Children under ten - $10. Bring your own food, buy drinks on board. RSVP by 3 May to chapter treasurer, DOLORES MERCIER, Class of 1993 (dmercier@comdt.uscg.mil).

MARITIME SOLIDARITY - The Superintendent of Kings Point, RADM JOE STEWART, will be making his "State of the Academy' presentation in San Diego on 20 April. Alumni and friends of all state schools are invited to attend this dinner program at the Marine Corps Depot - Bayview Restaurant. CAPT ED DANGLER, Class of 1949, writes that: "It would be great if we had a huge turnout of 'Domers', maybe even more than KP, to show our solidarity with maritime training needs and learn about the upcoming plans of Admiral Stewart. As is my custom, the first round of cocktails or other libation at any event sponsored by KP is hosted by me for all Domers." Contact Capt Stan Westover for additional information - swestove@portofsandiego.org