Vincent Commisso ’18 Awarded American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Scholarship


Webb Institute is proud to announce Vincent Commisso ’18 as the sixth recipient of the annual American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Scholarship.

The ABS Scholarship Program provides financial support to deserving engineering and naval architecture students based on GPA, class rank, leadership ability, and faculty recommendations. The scholarships are part of a broad program at ABS that supports students in the offshore oil and gas and maritime industries. Each year, a Webb student is awarded a full-tuition scholarship and a $2,500 room-and-board stipend. The fifth recipient of the ABS Annual Scholarship was Barr Turner, Jr. who graduated from Webb in June of 2017.

Vincent is a senior student from Wantagh, New York. He has an outstanding academic record and has served the Webb community as a Student Organization President, a member of Webb’s Leadership Committee, and a key member of Webb’s Communications Committee.

“ABS is proud to support the next-generation of young leaders – with the skills to embrace new technologies and quickly adapt to the changing technical landscape in our industry,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, and Webb Institute’s Board of Trustees member. “We are proud to partner with Webb Institute and wish the scholarship winners success in their studies and professional pursuits in the exciting digital future of the maritime industry.”

“Vincent is an excellent student and an important member of our campus community,” said Dean Matthew R. Werner. “During his time at Webb, Vincent has shown a commitment to leadership, community service, and professional development. I am confident that Vincent will use his Webb education to become a valuable contributor to the future of the maritime industry.”

Vincent has excelled during his winter internships, a Webb Institute requirement for all students. This experience provides hands-on experience working in shipyards, aboard ships, and in design offices throughout the world. As a freshman, Vincent spent two months in San Diego, California at General Dynamics NASSCO as a shipyard intern. In his sophomore year, he gained insight into ship operations and systems as an engine/deck cadet for MaranGas aboard the Troy. And in his junior year, Vincent interned at Herbert Engineering in Alameda, California. He is currently working on securing an internship for his final Winter Work term.

Upon graduation, Vincent plans to seek employment in the marine industry, earn a PE license, and enroll in welding classes. He is also interested in furthering his education through graduate work in engineering management or business.

“The partnership between ABS and Webb Institute dates back over 100 years, when Stevenson Taylor served as president of both ABS and Webb Institute. This relationship remains as vibrant as ever as we work together to ensure that today’s students, regardless of their financial resources, have access to a naval architecture and marine engineering education of the highest caliber,” said President Keith Michel.

About ABS:
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property, and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.