KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 26, 2015 – The Academic Dean and Director of Music of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point were honored by the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation (USMMAAF) at their start of Homecoming Awards Dinner, September 24.

The USMMAAF formally awarded USMMA Academic Dean, Dr. Shashi Kumar the title of Honorary Alumnus.  They also presented USMMA Director of Music, Capt. Kenneth R. Force, USMS, who is also an Honorary Alumnus, the Distinguished Service Award.

“These are well-deserved honors,” said Superintendent Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMS, Ph.D. “I congratulate Dean Kumar and Capt. Force.  There is no doubt that your significant contributions to the Academy will continue to have positive effects for years to come.

“Dean Kumar’s commitment to delivering a world-class education has been an inspiration to the Kings Point faculty, staff, Midshipmen and alumni who have had the opportunity to work with him, serving as our Academic Dean, and on three separate occasions Interim Superintendent. 

“Capt. Force’s contributions to the Academy have been outstanding. The Regimental Band under his direction brought national and international recognition to USMMA, participating in events ranging from Presidential Inaugurations to the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

Kumar has served as the Academy’s Academic Dean since 2007, and Force has served as the Director of Music since 1971. Their biographies are available at www.usmma.edu/leadership/academic-dean/academic-dean and www.usmma.edu/band/director respectively.