(Castine, Maine) Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS, addressed graduating students, their families and faculty members at Maine Maritime Academy’s (MMA) Commencement on 2 May. The ceremony was held at 11 a.m. at MMA’s Alexander Field House.
ABS is the leading provider of maritime classification services. MMA is a co-educational, public college on the Maine coast offering 18 degree programs in engineering, management, science and transportation.
“It is an honor to speak with the young people who represent the next generation of maritime leaders,” Wiernicki told the 248 students who received academic degrees. “Their future roles and responsibilities are critical to the ABS mission to protect life, property and the natural environment.”
MMA President Dr. William J. Brennan said, “ABS has invested so much toward the success of our students. We are honored that Chris Wiernicki provided the Class of 2015 with advice and guidance as our graduates launch their new lives and careers.”
Brennan presented Wiernicki an honorary Doctor of Science degree to recognize his contributions to the global maritime industry. Wiernicki holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering from MIT. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and a member of the George Washington University Engineering Hall of Fame.
Prior to the commencement, Wiernicki, along with Maine Governor Paul R. LePage, participated in the dedication ceremony for the ABS Center for Engineering, Science and Research, the first academic facility built on the MMA campus in 30 years. ABS contributed funding for the 30,000-square-foot building that provides state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, student study spaces, faculty offices and workrooms. Classes in the facility started in January 2015.
At the dedication, Wiernicki told assembled donors, community members, legislators and others, “ABS believes that investing in today’s students is essential to building the next generation of industry leaders.”
About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.
About Maine Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy is a co-educational, public college on the coast of Maine offering 18 degree programs in engineering, management, science and transportation. The college serves approximately 950 undergraduate and graduate students in career-oriented programs of study. Maine Maritime Academy was ranked the #1 Best Public College on Money Magazine's Best Colleges list released in August of 2014. The college’s persistence, retention and graduation rates are well above national averages, and the job placement rate is in excess of 90 percent within 90 days of graduation. For more information, visit mainemaritime.edu.
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