Webb Institute Launches Historic Fundraising Campaign

October 29, 2025

Dear Webb Community,

Commemorating its 137th anniversary, Webb Institute marks yet another impressive milestone as it publicly launches an ambitious and historic fundraising effort. Through Investing in Excellence: Advancing the Vision, Webb aims to raise $40 million to enhance the college’s endowment so that it may continue its standing as the only private STEM college in the nation to offer full tuition scholarships to every enrolled student. 

“I’m honored to serve as Webb’s President during this monumental effort,” said Mark Martecchini, a 1979 Webb graduate. “Webb is uniquely positioned; demand for our graduates exceeds supply. Each year, 100% of our students receive meaningful job offers or pursue advanced degrees. Providing every student with a full tuition scholarship and support for those with demonstrated need for room and board costs is key to student success. Our graduates, equipped with the tools to succeed, are poised to make an immediate impact upon graduation with no or low debt.”

To lead the effort, Webb has engaged a Campaign Cabinet consisting of alumni, trustees, past parents, and friends. Co-chaired by R. Keith Michel ′73, Webb President Emeritus, and Bruce Rosenblatt, Honorary Alumnus, and supported by President Martecchini, this group consists of  Paulo Almeida ′95, David Bovet ′70, John Couch (Honorary Alumnus), Joseph Cuneo ’57, Hampton Dixon ′11, Katherine Dixon, James Dwyer ′72, Alison Granger (Honorary Alumna), Jon LaBerge ′76 (Chair of Webb Board of Trustees), John Malone ′71, Phyllis Paris, and, Advisory Members Richard Biben, and Jake Neuman ′93. 

Through the dedicated efforts and generosity of the Campaign Cabinet, the initial phase has already generated seven commitments exceeding $1 million, and an additional twenty-five commitments of $100,000 or more, totaling $25 million in pledges and gifts. 

“It is extraordinary to watch Webb graduates thrive immediately upon graduation. Their level of preparedness to make an impact in the industry is unmatched,” said Co-Chair Rosenblatt, President of Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates. “I’m honored to serve as the Campaign Co-Chair as I truly believe that investing in Webb is an investment in the brightest minds in the maritime industry.” 

While the focus of Webb’s most recent fundraising campaign was centered on the expansion of facilities, highlighted by the establishment of the Couch Academic Center, the Investing in Excellence Campaign is focused on the intergenerational sustainability of Webb’s endowment through the establishment of new scholarships, professorships, and augmented support of Webb’s Annual Fund. A nation-leading 71% of Webb’s alumni participate by contributing to Webb’s Annual Fund.   

“While approximately 70% of Webb alumni serve the marine community, Webb makes an impact across industries as CEOs of companies and entrepreneurs in high-tech start-ups; as leaders in law, finance, higher education, retail and manufacturing–each building on the solid foundation of the Webb engineering education,” said Co-Chair Michel. “I’m honored to serve as Campaign Co-Chair and welcome the responsibility to help secure Webb’s future financial well-being.”

Regional campaign kick-off events will be held throughout next year, enabling Webb alumni, friends, and family to learn first-hand of the Campaign’s priorities and providing an opportunity for live Q&A sessions.

Best regards,
Mark Martecchini
President, Webb Institute