KINGS POINT, N.Y., May 28, 2021 – The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) recently honored midshipmen who have distinguished themselves academically and at sea during the second term of Academic Year 2020-2021. Vice Admiral Jack Buono, Superintendent and Rear Admiral John Ballard, Academic Dean and Provost greeted each awardee, while Captain Paul Acquaro, Director of the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE); Dr. Jennifer Albert, Deputy Director, ACE; and Second Class Midshipman Erin Roberts, Regimental Academic Officer, presented Gold and Silver Stars to midshipmen who demonstrated academic excellence during the period. 

The May 13, recognition celebration included an informal catered dinner provided by the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation. Midshipmen awardees were able to join together at Melville and Land Halls, on the Academy grounds, to enjoy this special moment with a special meal.

Gold and Silver Academic Stars were awarded on the following basis:

•             Gold Star: a QPA of at least 3.50 with no course failures in the term;
•             Silver Star: a QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49 with no course failures in the term.  

The full list of Academic Award recipients is accessible by clicking Gold and Silver Stars Academic Year 2020-2021, Term 2.

Captain Acquaro said, “Today was more than a recognition of academic achievement, but rather progress toward normalcy as we gathered by Melville Hall to congratulate and celebrate over 220 students who, through their hard work this past term, earned Academic Gold and Silver Star honors as well as Sea Year ribbons.” He went on to say, “On behalf of the academic division, I was proud to see the renewed excitement amongst our students who fought through the challenges presented by the global health emergency to not only survive but thrive both in-residence and at sea.”

In addition to the academic awards, Captain Ian Jones, Head, Department of Professional Development and Career Services, joined by Second Class Midshipman Matthew Novakowski, Regimental Shipboard Training Liaison, presented Sea Year Ribbons to the Class of 2022 Second Sailing midshipmen who excelled during Sea Year.

Sea Year Ribbons were awarded to those with:

•             QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49; no failing grade;
•             above average (3.0) Shipboard Performance Evaluations, in PD&CS Shipboard Database at the time of the initial posting of Sea Project grades.

The full list of Sea Year Ribbon recipients is accessible by clicking Class of 2022 Second Sailing Sea Year Ribbons.