KINGS POINT, N.Y., January 17, 2014 – On January 16, 2014, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) held a special observance in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Ackerman Auditorium.  The program which was hosted by Ms. Tiffany Gist, USMMA’s Director of Office of Civil Rights focused on the legacy of Dr. King and encouraged midshipmen, faculty and staff to see the upcoming holiday as “a day on, not a day off.”

After the National Anthem by the USMMA Regimental Band, the program began with an invocation by Academy Chaplain, Reverend Justin Adour. Then, Rear Admiral Susan L. Dunlap, Deputy Superintendent welcomed the assembly.  She said, “Dr. King wanted to help the poor and the disadvantaged. He wanted equal opportunity, not just for African-Americans, but for everyone – to have a decent job, a home, food to eat, an education. Although, Martin Luther King was principally known as the leader of the African-American civil rights movement, he was a humanitarian above all, and for that, he belongs to all of us.”  Dunlap then invited the midshipmen to spend the upcoming holiday volunteering,  “You’ll not only be living MLK’s dream but also fulfilling the motto of the Academy, Acta Non Verba.“  She then introduced the guest speaker, Ms. Amie Carter.

Ms. Carter, a graduate of the State University of New York, Maritime College holds a U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer’s License, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Facilities Engineering and is on the Board of Directors at the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG).  After sailing with the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association for four years, Carter held the position of Senior Engineer at PSEG Nuclear. Currently, she is a Project Manager for Jones Lang LaSalle at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

Carter reflected on her call to serve others. While excelling in her maritime and engineering career she always made time to serve others.  She has volunteered regularly with the OBMG, SUNY Maritime College Cultural Club, the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum and  G.O.A.L. Camp for Girls. She was impressed to see how many midshipmen regularly participate in service projects and encouraged them to continue serving others. She said, “A day of service can be one day, all day, any day or every day. Don't limit yourselves to only serving your community once a year.”