KINGS POINT, N.Y., December 2, 2016 – Over the past month, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent, Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Deputy Superintendent, Rear Admiral Susan L. Dunlap, Acting Commandant, CDR Mikel Stroud, and Interim Academic Dean, CDR Preston DeJean have awarded Academic Gold and Silver Stars to 297 midshipmen for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom during the First Term of Academic Year 2017. Additionally, 39 First Classmen were awarded Sea Year Ribbons for demonstrated excellence at sea during the A-Split Sea Term.

CDR Preston DeJean, USMS, Ph.D. said, “This past academic year, we’ve seen the largest number of recipients of Gold and Silver Stars for academic achievement. This is due in large part to the caliber of students we’re admitting and the great academic support programs established by Lt. Cmdr. Paul D. Acquaro, USMS, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence the and efforts of the faculty .”

Midshipmen were awarded Academic Stars on the following basis: Gold Star: a QPA of at least 3.50 with no course failures in the term; and Silver Star: a QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49 with no course failures in the term.

In addition to academic awards, CAPT Gene Albert, USMS, Head, Department of Professional Development and Career Services, distributed Sea Year Ribbons to First Classmen who excelled during their Sea Year.

Click links to see the list of midshipmen who earned Academic Stars and Sea Year Ribbons