SUNY Maritime College Hosts Annual Awards Night

The Alumni Association, SUNY Maritime College, will host its annual Awards Night on Thursday, March 27 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. Captain Robert E. Johnston, Class of 1969, has been selected as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. As you know, the Association presents this award to an alumnus who has achieved outstanding success in his/her career as well as service to their industry, country and alma mater. Capt. Johnston is the executive vice President of OSG Ship Management, Inc. He joined OSG in June of 1969 as a Third Mate. In 1974, he assumed command of a 38,000-ton tanker. His seagoing experience was gained on crude oil and product tankers in all capacities from Third Mate to Master. In 1976 he came ashore as a Port Captain for Maritime Overseas Corporation, the agent for Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). In 1983 he was named Vice President, U.S. Operations. His responsibilities included the daily and long-term operation of a fleet of 16 U.S. Flag vessels consisting of 8 crude oil tankers, 5 product tankers, 2 bulk carriers, and 1 pure car carrier. In November 1993 he was named Senior Vice President. In October 1995 he was appointed Chief Commercial Officer for the entire OSG Fleet and in 1997 was promoted to Executive Vice President. In 1999 he formed with BP and Keystone Shipping Company the Alaska Tanker Company, the premier Tanker Company serving the Valdez, Alaska - U. S. West Coast trade route. He is past chairman of the Board and current Board of Directors Member. We are extremely honored to have Capt. Johnston as this year's honoree. Please join us to recognize his outstanding career achievements. The Alumni Association's Outstanding Recognition Awards are presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the College. This year we are pleased to honor Senators Kenneth P. LaValle and Guy J. Velella, and Assembly members Edward C. Sullivan and Stephen B. Kaufman. These legislators have championed our efforts by working on our behalf to make positive changes to the school, including the recently enacted Cadet Appointments Program. The Awards Night is also a time when we recognize other individuals for their support to the Association and the College. We are delighted to present Outstanding Service Awards to Ed Shepherd '57 for his efforts in organizing and implementing the Cadet Mentoring Program at the College, and to James Mc Govern '57 for his outstanding efforts in organizing monthly Life Experience Forums for the Cadets.