United States
Merchant Marine Academy Parents’ Association
14th Annual Presidents’ Conference
Following are the Minutes of the Presidents’ Conference recorded by Lynne Grandstaff our Recording Secretary, and who is also co-regional vice president with her husband, Hugh, of the Gulf Region #9 which covers Texas, louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Panama:
September 14-15,
2005
Minutes
- Parents Coordinator Shirley Anthony opened the meeting of Association Presidents and Regional Vice Presidents at 0840 in Room 227 of Samuels Hall. Ms. Anthony reviewed the schedule of events for the conference, indicated changes to the schedule and made note of the welcome presence of leaders from Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. She introduced Captain Donald Ferguson who welcomed the attendees and then introduced National Co-President Brigadier General Ken Chrosniak. Ken welcomed all in attendance, especially those from the regions affected by Hurricane Katrina. He thanked Shirley on behalf of all the presidents for her work in preparing for the annual meeting. He discussed the importance of “Battle Buddies”- the support system provided by Parents’ clubs. Ken expressed regret that his Co-President, Gayle, could not attend because of family responsibilities. Moderator, Terrance Gray, Former New England Area Regional Vice President was introduced.
- Ken Chrosniak introduced incoming
Co-Chair Peter Meyers. Peter brought the bylaws changes before the group
for consideration. He reviewed the changes recommended by the Regional
Vice Presidents.
Article III, Section 5: The change was made to reassign areas for Regional VP. Maps indicating the new distribution of states were included in the conference materials. Raymond Seranzin (Pres. NY/MET/LI Chapter) made a motion to approve the changes as recommended. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.
- Article IV, Section 5: The recommendation was to change National President and Regional Vice President Application deadline from July 15 to May 15. Judy Tumblin, Arizona State president elect, made the motion to approve the recommendation. It was seconded and carried unanimously by voice vote.
- Peter Meyers introduced Vice Admiral Joseph Stewart, Superintendent of USMMA. VADM Stewart welcomed the group and expressed his appreciation of their work and presence.
- He made a presentation about current issues and concerns of interest to parents.
- Topics reviewed included: Sexual Harassment, Class of 2009 Statistics, New Personnel Assignments, Budget, Capital improvements, Accreditation, Alumni Foundation support, Student Mentors and Drug testing. He extended an invitation to the group to attend the reception at Quarters A prior to dinner at Melville Hall.
- Following a brief break, Academic Dean Dr. Warren Mazek was introduced. He reviewed improvements to the facilities, including new furniture purchased in response to results of the climate survey conducted among Midshipmen, new Simulation Software for steamships, radar and navigation lab programs. The academy has set a target start date in 2006 for the Masters Marine Engineering Distance Study Program. Dean Mazek discussed the importance of accreditation, efforts to assess and encourage effective learning through a program of classroom visitation, staff development and classroom goal setting with increased emphasis on strategies that engage students in active learning.
- Captain Robert Allee, Commandant, was introduced and reviewed current statistics and demographics for midshipmen. He discussed changes in philosophy related to INDOC and shared his belief in the importance of extracurricular activities including an increased emphasis on intra murals. Other points of discussion included the challenges of human relations; living well with others, establishing common understandings of what constitutes compliance with the honor system, and increasing concern about the impact of alcohol consumption. He reviewed the steps of intervention that are implemented when underage drinking occurs and answered questions about M/N serving watch.
- CAPT David VanOss, Department of Professional Development and Career Services presented the business of shipboard training- the “Campus Outside Vickery Gate”. He discussed the contribution made by the Maritime Industry to the education of KP Midshipmen. He estimated a value of $3.4 million spent annually to pay, house and feed cadets onboard vessels during their sea duty assignments. He noted that 2100 assignments, using 220 ships operated by 60 organizations are required to achieve the required 300 days of duty needed by each midshipman. Each assignment involves an 18 page request, 3 exchanges on approving and scheduling, a 6 page assignment order with Evaluation, Midshipman Assignment Report, and travel reimbursement paperwork.
- CAPT VanOss detailed the requirements for each sea duty period: First period- 6-7 credit hours, 115 days (if possible) 2-10 STCW Observations (Standards for Training and Certification Watch). Second Period- 14-17 Credit Hours, 185 Days (Or the balance required to get a total of 300 days) and 3-11 STCW Observations. The additional 60 days of sea duty required are spent on the TV Kings Pointer and in Bridge Simulation Lab. Sea Year Lectures are being adapted to improve the results and preparation for sea duty.
- CAPT VanOss noted that the class of 2005 graduated 219. Of those, 4 were foreign students.
- 20.5% went to active duty, 39.5% are in maritime afloat, 24.1% tr. and eng, 1.5% (3 students) graduate school and 14.4% remain on open status.
- He discussed the importance of host families both for plebes and those on sea duty. He noted that Signals from Sea is a web page off the Parents’ Club site that allows for shared information from Midshipmen at sea. Underway and Making Way assist M/N 1c in career choices, offering information, mentoring and networking opportunities.
- Susan Petersen Lubow, director of Athletics and Physical Education reviewed the 6 credit hours required and the options available to students for meeting them. She discussed the new point system and the increased emphasis on intra murals as an additional way to accumulate the required points for athletic activities. She shared her insights related to the importance of effective time management in achieving academic success at the academy.
- CAPT Robert Johnson, Director of Admissions, presented “We Deliver”, a program detailing the contributions of USMMA to the economic and military interests of the USA. He shared information about the admissions process and noted that we currently have no appointees from Maine, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, District of Columbia or Vermont.
- The group observed the Regiment march in to lunch, shared lunch with the Midshipmen at Delano Hall and gathered for a group photo on the steps following the meal.
- The meeting resumed at 1305 with a presentation by CAPT Erik Wallischek, Waterfront Director. He shared highlights of the past year including the winning of the Kennedy Cup in 2005 by Austin Howell (’05) and the gifts of 2 large sailing vessels- the 80’ Hercules and 77’ Alchemy. He noted that these donations reflect most favorably on the efforts and achievements of the midshipmen and are a mark of excellence.
- CAPT Wallischek noted that several new crew shells were purchased and one will be christened in honor of the Felden Family. He invited the group to attend. He thanked alumni and families for their support of the waterfront program and noted that the fleets of dinghies have also been updated and currently 2 of the 3 fleets are less than one year old.
- He announced that Matt Allen had been promoted to head coach following the resignation of Mark Zagol; Dereck Hartwick was hired and is the first full time crew coach following many years of service by CDR David Mund who volunteer coached part-time. The Power Squadron, on TV Kings Pointer, will be involved in an emergency preparedness exercise with other first response agencies on Long Island. CAPT Wallischeck reviewed improvements to the waterfront facilities including Yocum Sailing Center and Prosser Boat House with the addition of a crew rowing tank. He noted that all waterfront teams are varsity sports. He thanked the parents for their support of the midshipmen, the waterfront and the academy.
- Gene McCormick(’64), President of the Alumni Association, Pete Rackett(’61) , Executive Director of Alumni Affairs Relations, Mic Kondracki (’88), Director of Fund Raising, and Cathy Feeny, Chief Financial Officer presented information about the Activities and Achievements of the Alumni Association.
- Kondracki explained the avenues available for giving to Kings Point, including the Phone-a-Thon, direct mail and Internet campaigns, and planned giving. Currently a staff of four works in Development. They are housed at Babson. Giving is reported in the Kings Pointer and the Annual Donor Report publication. Copies were made available to the attendees.
- Rackett described his position as being a “Friendraiser”. He detailed the resources made available to midshipmen and alumni through the association for career direction, seeking internships and housing during internships, awareness speakers, resume` writing coaching and free career services for the five year commitment period.
- Cathy Finney reported that the 32 month campaign resulted in gifts and pledges totaling $45 Million. 80% of these gifts were given without restrictions. IT was noted that $15 million are held as an investment and that of $4 million given each of the last 2 years, $ .5 million was unrestricted. The Association also funds the work of Project Acta.
- CDR Thomas Hodgson, Naval Science explained the Naval Reserve requirements and the reason for them. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of maintaining “suitability” prior to and throughout the Academy Career. He stressed the need for graduates to “report” annually.
- Mary Cunningham, Social Director made several printed handouts available to the attendees covering the sponsor family program, Clubs and activities and the Social Regimental Calendar. She described her work as mentor to the Class Officers who are responsible for planning the social events. She also explained her role in teaching and providing opportunities to practice etiquette. She displayed the text “Service Etiquette”.
- CAPT M.J. Sweeney USN (Ret) of USAA (US Automobile Association) provided information about the programs of the association available to midshipmen and alumni. Contact information and brochures were shared.
- Dr. Richard Wall, Director of M/N Personal Development Service reviewed the Services, programs and training sponsored by the department. He answered questions and concerns related to health care for the midshipmen.
- Ken Chrosniak officially turned the National Chairmanship of the USMMA Parents’ Association over to Peter Meyers.
- Peter shared his insights and concerns with the Presidents and Regional VPs. He outlined the following areas needing action by the association during his term of office:
- · Increased/improved cooperation between Parents and Alumni groups for the mutual benefit, M/N support and academy support
- · Action to discourage drinking and fast driving, especially by midshipmen
- · Communication between state presidents and regional vice presidents
- He encouraged all attendees to complete and turn or mail in the conference evaluation. He asked for feedback on the meeting to this point. The following comments were noted.
- · Additional speakers- Inclusion of Martin Skrocki and Howard Weiner were requested
- · Assign speaking times based on amount of time needed to cover the topic.
- · Print and distribute any power point presentations to allow ease in note taking
- · Allow time for Regional VPs to meet with their group of State/Area Presidents
- · Allow time for brief introductions of all attendees at beginning of conference
- The meeting recessed for the evening activities which included a reception at Quarters A, the home of the Superintendent, followed by dinner at Melville Hall. The program include a special presentation of a Crystal Bowl to Past National Co-Chair Ken Chrosniak, and presentation of certificates to all of the Distinguished Chapters, as follows:
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- Friday morning, optional workshops were presented by Judy Cramer and Ann Hall on Holiday Balls and Fund Raising, Bob Rossi on Web Design and Peter Meyers on Keeping Clubs Active.
- Peter closed the meeting with a reminder to turn in Evaluations of the conference.
Following are the Minutes of the Presidents’ Conference recorded by Anthony J. Vignocchi, our Recording Secretary, and who is also co-regional vice president with his wife, Marla, of the Central Region #2 which covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Tennessee:
- Thirteenth Annual USMMA Parents Association Presidents Conference
- September 9---11, 2004
- The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am by Shirley Anthony.
- Capt. Donald Ferguson, Director, Office of External Affairs and Parents Program welcomed all the parents, and introduced Vice Admiral Joseph Stewart, USMS, Superintendent.
- The superintendent’s PowerPoint presentation started with the issue of sexual harassment, and how when he attended the conference of service academy superintendents, how our midshipmen had a more mature attitude on the subject. The Coast Guard Academy visit reconfirmed our superior attitude, and that we didn’t have the same problems they had due to the sea year experience our cadets experience bringing them to a higher level of respect., he also mentioned the “dacoits” women issues in academies. Superintendent Stewart was also pleased with the midshipmen, the faculty with the new teachers, and the staff. We were informed of the civilian personnel update, and that we now have a performance officer. We have a new admissions director from West Point who is a real hands on man.
- The 2004 budget surplus was spent on getting new furniture for over two thirds of the classrooms, and with the increased personnel we are looking at a reduction in faculty/class size.
- The Budget
- 2004 president’s budget 52.9 million
- 2004 approved budget 55.7 million
- 2005 president’s budget 55.9 million
- 2006 requested budget 82 million
- 2006 Office of Management budget 65 million
- We always ask for more than we need in the hope that when the final budget cuts are done, that we receive enough for our needs.
- Capital Improvements:
- THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN IS TO RAISE 45 MILLION
- We need a new gym, band facility, museum renovation, chapel restoration and faculty housing. These are the major capital outlays that need to be funded. Vickery Gate was dedicated in the fall of 2003 with the bright flashing announcement board. The White Welcome Center is finally finished, and is receiving furniture this Saturday, not only is it a welcome center, but the new admissions office as well. Jones Hall renovations are completed, and the midshipmen have moved in to the updated facility. The Chapel needs to be renovated, steeple, new roof plus other deferred maintenance. The chapel in an important aspect of the academy experience. Although the midships have to be in good physical shape, the facility has to conform to the government standards for the handicapped. Faculty housing is a big issue, the academy needs 35 units to house the Faculty. With more campus housing, we will be able to attract qualified instructors, without killing the budget, since housing is so expensive in the area. It was hoped that the alumni would come up with funding for the museum, as it is disrepair, its really not an academy necessity, qualifying for capital improvements. The Congressional Report was submitted two days before the deadline on the 23 of March, and may be reviewed sometime in the next 20 to 30 months
- Accreditation:
- The Middle States Accreditation will be in April of 2006. The self study will be completed in December of 2005. The self study was initiated in August of 2004, the preliminary accreditation visit was in May 2004. The Strategic Planning task force has 16 goals in place they need to achieve for accreditation.
- A masters program is in development and is planned for the summer of 2005
- Key dates this school year:
- 11 September Acceptance day
- 15 October Homecoming
- 13 November Coast guard game - lets beat Coast Guard.
- 16 December Regimental change of Command
- May Battle Standard Dinner
- 20 June Graduation - - President Bush has been invited to the ceremony
- GMATS:
- GMATS has a new admiral, Chris MCMann, the enrollment at GMATS is up, the gmats team did the investigation of the Staten Island Ferry incident, and their recommendations were accepted . GMATS is now training midshipmen from Indonesia, and NOAA National Oceongraphis and Agronomic Administration. The academy receives financial support from GMATS $236,000 for midshipmen.
- Class of 2008 Statistics
- Enrollment was 284, we have only lost 11 so far. The average SAT score was 1254. Its getting harder to enter the academy, 26% of the entering midshipmen were in the top 10% of their class, 13% are women. 2.5% are African American, 12% are other minorities, 81% earned a varsity letter in some sport, 15% are from the New Mexico Military Institute, the new facility used by USMMA for younger, or not quite qualified candidates.
- Terry Gray, New England area regional vice president was our moderator, the rest of the meetings were set as panels, with terry asking pertinent questions as to what they do.
- The first panel was the Academic, Regimental and Athletics Panel.
- Dr Warren Mazek, Academic Dean introduced the panel members. Every one is trying to do the STCW without extending the curriculum. Courses are now being taught using the STCW for compliance. Training record books are kept forever with the course number, when it was taken, and where, with an electronic signature. The Middle States Accreditation come every 10 years. Sixty days before hand a self study of 9 sub committees of 10 people each go over specific questions as for goals and objectives for each section of the curriculum.
- Jose Femenia, Engineering: The STCW is already employed in the engineer curriculum. Materials used in ship construction & labs plus reports. Safety of diesel engine in now taught as a competency.
- The academy would like to do the dual licencing program, however with 180 engine and 180 days deck, it can not be completed in 4 years, and maintain the curriculum.
- Capt George Sandberg, Marine Transportation: The training is coordinated with the STCW standard Training Company Watch Standards. For deck trainees, compass error training is a big concern, along with survival Swimming. Record sheets are kept for 1 year after graduation.
- Dr. Howard Beim, Math and Science: The proper order is Math Physics, and Chemistry. If you fail chemistry, you had to do bad somewhere else. All maritime programs need chemistry ex: fuel combustion, corrosion prevention, paints, coatings, coverings. Over 30% of a ships loads are hazardous. There are over 22 chemicals on board at anyone time. One also needs to know if entering a confined space, if there is oxygen. When you open a can of covering, what kind of protective gear is needed. There are 2 kinds of chemistry Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry. The courses are being taught using the STCW compliance.
- Dr. Jane Brickman, Humanities: We are facing a cultural change, the internet is not associated with proper English, there is a humanities sea project–sociology of sea life. Grammar English 1 Composition English 2 literature. The academy is adding more writing to classes. Writing is an essential to midshipmen success.
- Capt. Robert G. Allee, Commander: Sunday has had the liberty hours shortened, this is to give more study time for the midshipmen, the time has been set aside, but there are no study cops. The training program has been changed, the work them to death old time strategy is no longer used,. The plebes were sent to the Mets game to boost moral, and to do things as a group off campus, and without the influence of alcohol to have a good time, and was a positive leadership experience. Injuries during plebe training were a minimum as compared to last year.
- Capt. David Van Oss, Director of Professional Development. Sea year is very important, third class midshipmen are to have 135 days at sea, the minimum being 100 days. The second class midshipmen are to have 248-270 days at sea 200 days minimum, of commercial service on an American flagged ship plus an interim project for 2 weeks. The use of the interim projects break up the sea days so as not to burn out or take a safety stand out. ATRs are on the midships, Have you done your project? How far are you? Susan Crow 1 hour time management course shows the midships how to break down there time into segments to get the job done.
- Susan Petersen Lubow, Department Head, Physical Education The physical education department offers 24 sports, both core and intermural. The department performs the readiness test. The football coach was an English teacher, and if asked will help the athletes with their English. As a view from afar the youth feel they have all the time in the world to start their project, and without a plan, they allow things to get ahead of them, and do not finish there sea project. They need to get the job done, done right, do it now, they need self discipline.
- The second panel was
- Admissions, GMATS, Ethics, and Waterfront Panel
- LCDR Michael De Rosa, Acting Director, Admissions : In October 4 2004 Bob Johnson will take over admissions. For the class of 2008, there were 1800 applications, 653 met the criteria, and academy put out 370 offers, and 284 plebes entered. That’s a ratio of 77%. In 2003 there were 910 applications 588 qualified, and 439 offers, and 206 plebes entered for a ratio of 63%.
- The SAT is only one part of qualification, the verbal average was 629, and math was 625 total average was 1250–1260. In 2003 the verbal was 608, and math was 608. The minimum qualification is 500 verbal, and 550 math. Of the new plebe class 60% had applied to other academies, 12% were accepted at other academies, 7% are siblings of alumni, 2% are grand children of alumni, 80% had visited the academy at least once. There at 12 plebe who have dropped out of them 60% had never been to the academy, so a visit to the academy is a must. The academy is listed in the prestige us Prinston Review of the top 357 colleges.
- CDR John Hanus, Acting Director, GMATS: Land based cargo, the cheapest way to ship is by water, there is short sea shipping which is barge to barge. GMATS did the Staten Island Ferry Operation assessment, they are training staff for the ferry.
- CDR Thad Gaebelein, Ethics Training Administrator: there are four ethics programs: academy - Mandatory plebe course the Holocaust. Lecture - The Liniere lecture series. Counseling - Honor. Traveling - Midships go on the lecture tour to other academes, the show more maturity on the subjects to there sea year experience.
- CAPT. Eric Wallischeck, Director, Waterfront: The waterfront consists of Crew, Power squadron, Water ski, wake boarding, off shore sailing, dingy team, 35% of each class is involved in a waterfront program. The Kings Pointer just received a 2 million dollar overhaul, and is used in the STCW program, the waterfront watch standard, and the life boat compliance.
- CDR Thomas Hodgson, Naval Science: Naval Science is the administrator for the Naval reserve program. Naval Science offers one course per year. They put people on active duty if they want to .In 2003 17 graduates went on active duty in 2002 the number was 22.
- Fund-raising/Alumni Panel
- Eugene McCormick, President, USMMA Alumni Foundation, Inc. Fund raising through McNulty society - donations, Estate planning, gifting stock, cash, real estate, insurance there are are over 300 members with gifts ranging from $1000 to $1,000,000.
- William Maloney, Vice President, Planned Giving: People can make major gifts now instead of later through Charitable gift Annuities. To belong to the Superintendents council, the annual contribution is $2000.So far 27 million has been raised with the goal of 45 million by April 2007.
- Michael Kondracki, Executive Director of Development: fund raising, Grants, Career Services, Kings Point Magazine, Bringing in the money - Annual funds - alumni letters, phone-a-thon, direct mail, internet, Mcnulty society, major gift aspect- there are three directors. The campaign for Kings Point is a 45 million goal. The money is used for athletics, heritage, band, museum, monuments, endowment, leadership, ethics-Lanier Series 9 speakers a year.
- Peter Racket, Executive Vice President: The Alumni Foundation helps introduce students to the alumni network. They help in writing ones resume. They help to find an intern project that is prudent to the students major, and find employers that meet the midshipmen needs. The alumni foundation host a number of events the Sea Fair Day Sept.22, the August Luo come-together, the 5K run, and the Ring dance.
- Public Information, Medical, Social, Commissary, Ship Store and Banking Panel
- Martin Skrocki, Public Information Officer The office is responsible for Public Information (reactive), Media Relations (proactive/reactive), recruiting Publications, Speech writing, Photo Service, USMMA Yearbook (MIDSHIPS)
- Health Service Department Ronald Shenker Chief Medical Officer: The academy belongs to the LIJ Health system, and provides Nursing, Dental, and Mental Health. The doctor is in from 7-10 AM daily. The department offers Time management, Study Skills, Education programs, Drug & Alcohol counseling on the second deck in Patton Infirmary.
- Mary Cunningham, Social Director: The social department is in charge of: The plebe sponsor program, protocol officer, morale officer, book service, etiquette, formal & informal dances, and clubs & activities.
- Mitchell Glazer, Food Service Officer: Mr. Glazer came to the academy with 30 years’ experience from Macy’s where he ran numerous restaurants. He has been at the academy nine years. Food service provides balanced meals and is conscious of the new low carbohydrates concern. For those who want a birthday cake, call ahead, the cakes are $18.00.
- Geoffrey Boger, Textbook Manager: The store handles textbooks, clothing and beauty aids.
- Rachael Hasson Manager, Navy Federal Credit Union - The Navy Federal Credit Union is on campus, there is an ATM in Delano Hall. Everyone may open an account for $5.00 which is put into a savings account so there is really no out of pocket and there are credit union outlets all around the world which is a great convenience to midshipmen.
- Midshipmen Panel OR Simulators Bridge & Engine: The simulator of both the bridge and engine were not only informative, but very stimulating. The ability to do a hands on simulation is very exciting and with this type of facility you can see why the academy is a leader in ship training .
- Friday September 10, 2004
- Good and Welfare -- Open Discussion led by Ken Chrosniak: the discussion was about service obligations. The midships have a service obligation upon graduation of eight years, this is where they can be called into active service for up to eight years after graduation, this is the Navy Reserve obligation. Running concurrently with this is the five year service at sea, which pays for the mids’ education. If they have a qualifying land position, they need to get a waiver from the school.
- The government is now going after the people who did not fulfill their obligations, the class of 93–98 are getting bills for $140,000 for their education. At the end of five years, one needs to renew their licenses, at 41/2 years is when they must start the application with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and must apply through the academy.
Regional Vice Presidents Reports: It was suggested that the parents should get involved with their local parents association as soon as the student gets an acceptance letter. Pete Meyers, New York parents club, reported 90 plus members @ $35 per family, and $20 per alumni. The parents club sponsors many activities for the plebes such as plebe treat night candy, donuts at finals for the entire regiment, June ice-cream truck for the regiment, April ice cream social for the regiment, and Christmas trees for the regiment decorated with ornaments received from the other state parents clubs. Photographs of the ornaments are on the web sight www.usmma-parents.com. This website is different than the USMMA Parents Page but there is also a link on their page for their website. In 2003-2003 they hosted a holiday party on campus for the regiment and had 55 plus attend, and they gave all midships a gift. The other clubs did not make a formal presentation, but we discussed getting all the parents of midships in each state to join their state parents club, or be adopted by a close state if there is no club. We all shared money making ideas, and what we are doing to promote the US Merchant Marine Academy, and support of our sons and daughters, and how to get the alumni involved.
Orientation Cruise - The day was nice and the cruise was fun.