KINGS POINT, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2016 – Members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s faculty and staff were recognized for their achievements in an awards ceremony, Monday.

Deputy Maritime Administrator Mike Rodriguez ’79, and USMMA Superintendent Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMS, presented the awards at a ceremony at Ackerman Auditorium attended by the Regiment of Midshipmen and the Academy’s staff and faculty.

Lt. Cmdr. Paul Acquaro, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, was awarded the Department of Transportation Silver Medal Meritorious Achievement Award for providing outstanding leadership in the development of midshipmen and overseeing their academic success rate, which has increased substantially over the past few years. Acquaro was also recognized as the Maritime Administration’s Employee of the Quarter, for the first quarter of 2015

Three members of the USMMA staff were awarded Bronze Medals, the highest award the Maritime Administration may independently give.  It is granted by the Maritime Administrator in recognition of extremely competent performance of official duties. 

• Richard Cain, Acting Director of Waterfront Operations and Training, was recognized for dedicated effort and commitment to the Regiment of Midshipmen through commitment to several sustainable waterfront programs.
• Cdr. Preston DeJean, USMS, Assistant Dean for Academic Support Programs, was recognized for demonstrating exceptional dedication, outstanding leadership, highly effective management skill and political astuteness as the Chairman of the Academy’s decennial reaccreditation self-study effort.
• Kelly Butruch, Risk Management Officer, was recognized for demonstrating unusual initiative and skill in the development of new and improved emergency procedures that measurably enhanced the safety and health of the Academy workforce.

Five individuals received the 2015 Maritime Administration Excellence in Customer Service Award, which recognizes an individual, office, or organizational element involved in either administrative or program functions that provides exceptional services to their customers.

• Cynthia Flynn, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, was recognized for extraordinary performance in performing her responsibilities while overseeing two junior administrative assistants with the daily operations of the Superintendent’s Office.
• Tamara Jell, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), was recognized for extraordinary dedication and perseverance in providing Academy-wide sexual assault prevention training and setting up mechanisms and procedures to respond to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
• Frederick Sager, Office of Health Services Administrator, was recognized for exemplary performance in enhancing the Academy security and emergency response, ensuring that midshipmen, faculty and staff are better prepared in the event of an emergency.
• Lisa Jerry, Registrar, was recognized for demonstrating exceptional dedication and extraordinary customer service in converting the Academy to a state-of-the-art Comprehensive Academic Maintenance System database.
• Virginia Reilly, Midshipman Personnel Officer, was recognized for demonstrating extraordinary commitment in flawlessly maintaining all personnel records and computerized databases for the Regiment of Midshipman and Commandant’s Department.

Three teams received the 2015 Maritime Administration Team Award, which is presented in recognition of contributions made by a group of employees who have exceeded job requirements.  It is awarded by the Maritime Administrator in recognition of outstanding performance.

The Office of Naval Intelligence Specialized Training Team was recognized for exemplary effort in developing a specialized training plan for the United States Navy Office of Naval Intelligence to introduce and indoctrinate new employees.

• Capt. Charles Rogan, USMS, Professor Marine Transportation
• Capt. Buck McDermott, USMS, Assistant Professor Marine Transportation
• Cdr. Carolyn Hunter, USMS, Assistant Professor Marine Transportation

The Admissions Materials Team was recognized for outstanding effort in reinventing the Academy’s admissions materials to appeal to culturally diverse candidates and reflect the Academy’s important mission.

• Veronica Barry, Public Affairs Officer
• Lt. Tina Schoggers, USMS, Recruitment Specialist

The USMMA Superintendent and Admissions Team was recognized for extraordinary commitment in planning and executing a recruiting plan to fill the USMMA Class of 2019 with qualified students despite shortfalls in manning of the Admissions Office.

• Lt. Cmdr. Kelly Gualtieri, USMS, Recruitment Specialist
• Lt. Tina Schoggers, USMS, Recruitment Specialist
• Lt. Jamie Cocheo, USMS, Recruitment Specialist
• Darlene McDermott, Admissions Assistant
• Jonathan Chang, Admissions Assistant
• Joseph Becker, Financial Aid Specialist

The awards ceremony concluded with the presentation of career service awards to Academy faculty and staff with over 25, 30, 35, and 45 years of federal service.

USMMA Superintendent, Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMS, said, “I congratulate our faculty and staff. Their dedicated service goes far beyond the walls of the USMMA, and the work they do serves all of the American people.”

By Cdr. Benjamin Benson, USMS