SUNY Maritime College Inaugural W.A.V.E. Event
On Tuesday evening, December 1, close to 100 women students, faculty and staff enjoyed a festive early-winter evening reception that was the official kick-off for a new Maritime College organization known as WAVE – Women Achieving Valor and Excellence. It was a celebration of women in the maritime industry. Held in the Maritime Special Events room, there were “mocktails,” appetizers and desserts as well as two fascinating talks presented by women who are enjoying successful and fulfilling careers in the maritime industry.
Mate Elspeth Hanaford, the first speaker is a lecturer and Watch Officer at SUNY Maritime College. A 2004 graduate of Massachusetts Maritime ACADEMY, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and an Unlimited 3/M License. Mate Hanaford spent several years at sea working on Maersk Line ships before joining Maritime. In addition to her teaching duties, she is also a graduate student at Maritime in the Global Business and Transportation Department, working toward a Master of Science in International Transportation Management, and a LT in the Merchant Marine Reserves (US NAVAL RESERVES). In her talk to the group, Mate Hanaford urged the students to gain as much practical experience as possible during their undergraduate days and to join professional maritime organizations. “Gain as much hands on experience as possible during your time here at Maritime,” she said. “There are many opportunities here in the New York area, ranging from dinner cruise lines to sightseeing boats to commercial transport carriers. Having real life work experience will really help you to reach your goals.” Mate Hanaford also spoke about the Naval and Marine Reserves and the many opportunities that she has gained over the years.
Carleen Lyden-Kluss, founder and President of Morgan Marketing & Communications www.morganmarketcomm.com, as well as NAMEPA – North American Marine Environment Protection Association www.namepa.net, discussed her very successful career and told the students that “passion for what you do and believe in” is one of the most important factors in achieving success in your career and personal life. Over the course of her 30 year career, she has spent the last 16 years in the maritime industry and told the young women in the audience that there are tremendous opportunities that await them in the field. A graduate of Wellesley College with a BA in Political Science and History (minor in Economics), Ms. Lyden-Kluss studied Accounting at Cornell School of Business Administration. She is a member of the Connecticut Maritime Association, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA, USA) and The Marine Society, and is a trained facilitator and media trainer. She specializes in identifying, developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications programs that increase her clients’ revenues.
WAVE student president Dana Rauch served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. She read a letter from Maritime College president Admiral John W. Craine, Jr., USN (Ret.) who is attending a conference in London. Admiral Craine congratulated WAVE on this inaugural event. In his letter, he noted that the first woman graduated from Maritime in 1974. She was the only female in her class. Today, he wrote, there are 152 undergraduate women and 31 graduate students who are studying for Masters degrees here at Maritime. The evening was made possible by tremendous support from the College as well as from women students and staff who have given of their time and talents to make this evening a success. WAVE also extends a special thanks to Chartwell’s, Maritime’s food service provider, www.eatlearnlive.com, Maritime Executive Magazine, www.maritime-executive.com, Kirby Inland Marine, www.kirbycorp.com, and the New York Maritime College Parent’s Association for their generosity and assistance. “This will be the first of many WAVE events at Maritime College,” said WAVE president Dana Rauch.