News From Fort Schuyler

April 18, 2003 - Volume 7, No. 14

CAPTAINS, ALL - A heads up from RODNEY McFADDEN, Class of 1975, that three Fort Schuyler graduates have been selected for promotion to Captain, USNR: JOE AHLSTROM, Class of 1982, CHRIS BEGLEY, Class of 1982, and DAVE RIDLEY, Class of 1980. Rod adds that "Dave selected as an 1805 officer (i.e. Oceanography.) Congratulations, BZ."

SCHUYLER BY NIGHT - Hear about the 'Torchlight Tours of Historic Fort Schuyler'? The Maritime Industry Museum is conducting these tours from 8 to midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings between April 24 - May 10. "Explore one of New York Harbor's most powerful defensive strongholds by torchlight, and find out why the Fort that never fired a shot in anger, is Haunted by tales of murder, torture, insanity and the unknown. Led by Cadets of the New York Maritime College and featuring Costumed Re-Enacters, these 75 minute tours offer unique insight into the history of this important landmark." Cost is $10 ($7 for students and military personnel.) For more information call the museum (718) 409-7218. [What a great idea!]

BALMER GRADS SOUGHT - According to information forwarded by JOHN HANNON, Class of 1977, "the Admissions Office would like to host a dinner in the Baltimore area for local high school students who have been sent letters of acceptance, but had not yet sent in their deposit and committed to attend Maritime. They would very much like to have 3-5 alumni of various backgrounds and ages to come to the dinner and speak with prospective students and their parents about what career opportunities an education at Maritime has afforded. No specific date has been set, but ...it would be in the next several weeks." John concludes that: "The college is projecting a freshman enrollment of 325 for the Fall Semester, with the total College enrollment projected to be over 1,000 total for next year." If you are interested in helping, call CHET EHRMAN, Class of 1953, the Alumni Association coordinator to the Admissions Office at (732) 295-9464 or (908) 647-5022.

WAR DIVIDEND - The NY Times 'Education Life' supplement (April 13) stated that applications to service academies have increased. The article 'War and Peace: Military Schools at the Forefront,' talked of rising applications at Mass Maritime and noted that "...similar trends are reported at the State University of New York Maritime College.....Whenever patriotism becomes more important in America we see our applications rise..."[Thanks to JANE B. FITZPATRICK, Associate Librarian, for the heads up about this article.]

RESEARCH REWARDED - At this year's Award's Night on 8 May, the first recipient of The Stephen B. Luce Library Award will be recognized "...for an outstanding research assignment utilizing Stephen B. Luce Library resources .. selected by the academic department chairs and the Stephen B. Luce Librarians."

COMING YOUR WAY - A feature on ED VILLELLA, Class of 1959, in the April issue of the Philadelphia region's seniors' publication, 'The Golden Times,' was forwarded to NFFS by ED SHEPHERD, Class of 1957. The article previewed the appearance of the Miami City Ballet (Ed is Founding Artistic Director/Chief Executive Officer) at the Philadelphia Academy of Music on April 26/27. After describing his career and awards, the article continues: "The affable and self-effacing dancer has called himself a beer drinker in a champagne world." [Is that why he has the nickname 'Six-Pack Eddie'?] The Miami City Ballet's spring tour will also visit the NJ Performing Arts Center - 25 April; University of New Mexico - April 30; Cerritos (CA) Center - May 2/3; Colorado Springs - May 6; and Ottawa Opera House - May 9/10. See http://www.miamicityballet.org

BIG U - The headline in the 15 April NY Times read "For a Historic Ship, A New Port of Call" and went on to report that "The UNITED STATES, the fastest passenger liner in the world in its heyday but now a fading hulk on the Philadelphia waterfront, has been bought by Norwegian Cruise Lines." Among alumni who contacted NFFS about the S/S UNITED STATES was RICK BAGSHAW, Class of 1962 (who prefaced his remarks by noting that "This year's storms in the NE has 'paid for' our second home"... in Puerto Rico.) Rick, who sailed on the S/S CONSTITUTION, observed: "I'm amazed that passenger ships that are 50 years old, i.e., w/o stabilizing systems, etc., might be competitive in today's market. You should see that latest, truly exotic, cruise ships that now come regularly into San Juan. Then again, given the Jones Act, I guess it's the only way for a foreign flag to gain access to US routes/markets." For more go to http://www.ss-united-states.com and http://www.ncl.com

BTW - All permanent Masters of the S/S UNITED STATES have been graduates of our school: HARRY MANNING, Class of 1914; JOHN ANDERSON, class of 1915; and LEROY J. ALEXANDERSON, Class of 1930. Their names are listed on the plaque attached to one of the Maritime Industry Museum's most impressive outdoor displays, the enormous starboard inboard propeller of the S/S UNITED STATES.

CHECK THEM OUT - On May 25th, you can sample the cuisine of the Norwegian Cruise Line's M/V NORWEGIAN DAWN, the 6-month old, 91,000 ton passenger ship that is home ported year-round in New York. The World Ship Society - Port of New York Branch is sponsoring a luncheon and tour in a ship that "...artfully blends classic and contemporary decor and is one of the most stunning ships sailing today. She boasts ten restaurants and her inimitable Gardens Villas are the most spacious accommodations ever built into a cruise ship." The venue is the NYC Passenger Terminal, with boarding at noon. The fare is $40 for WSS members and $45 for their guests. The deadline for reservations is 10 May. You can join WSS at http://www.worldshipny.com/member.html

FINALLY - Five years of sharing the TSES VI with Mass Maritime are over. The T/S ENTERPRISE, ex-CAPE BON, was finally delivered to the Buzzards Bay campus on 13 April. Check the MMA website for a link to the Cape Cod Times article about this $30 million conversion - http://www.maritime.edu