Beyond the Classroom | My First Year at Webb
by Joseph Giresi ’28
From meeting established graduates in more unique areas of maritime specialities than I can count on my fingers to being sent a long way across America to the icy-cold state of Wisconsin, my experience as a freshman at Webb Institute over the past year can be described as nothing less than a lifechanging expedition.
The most exciting parts of my freshman year were the cruise, shipyard, and SNAME-related experiences that Professor Bradley Golden organized. Onboard Carnival Venezia Cruise with Hampton Dixon, I saw the ins and outs of a cruise ship’s operation in the guided tour of the ship’s public accommodations and backends of the crew’s operation. Our visit to Philly Shipyard prepared me for my interests and goals in my own upcoming shipyard internship.
Joseph utilizing the student kitchen and baking an apple pie.
Although the winter weather in Wisconsin was harsh, the people were loving and kind, with shipyard workers ready to help and share stories about their life and their profession. At Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), Wesli Rivera, an experienced painter, welder, electrician, and more for over a decade, advised me to ask many questions and learn as much as possible. Taking this advice to heart, our dinner with Webb Institute alumni Sean Smith ’02 led me to explore my curiosity about his life, asking him about stories throughout his career and as a Webbie. He shared with us duties he held at FMM, including being the Chief Naval Architect and corrosion specialist, helping me understand the relevance of corrosion learned with Professor Matthew McMahon in Chemistry. Because of this advice, I look forward to pursuing future roles in project management, stability calculations, or more work in using Navisworks to review accuracy of ship construction. Lastly, the opportunity to travel to a faraway place from the northeast provided me with the experience to see remarkable places such as the beautiful Lake Michigan, a lake so frozen in the winter that people drove cars on it like it was dry land.
What I can say having completed freshman year is that Webb Institute changes lives, and that Webb Institute changed my life. From trips including countless class and schoolwide SNAME events, Norfolk boat show, trips to maritime academies, and exciting events outside school, the closeness of the Webb Institute community has enriched these experiences and my endeavors. Despite the academic difficulties at some points, these are also accompanied with laughter, joy, and jokes in conference rooms as our class prepares for upcoming exams. These great memories experienced with my classmates despite occasional rough waves on the way have truly made me glad to be called a Webbie and part of this community.
No matter how hard the work gets or how painful climbing upside down in a dusty, narrow space on a ship can be, the obstacles are always overcome with support from my friends, classmates, professors, and the exciting journeys that come my way.
Joseph and Webbies attending a first Communion and Confirmation.
Webb Institute Honors Global Maritime Leader Dr. James S.C. Chao with Honorary Doctorate
– by Kaye Lin, Director of Communications & Marketing
Webb Institute proudly awarded Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chairman of the Foremost Group, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Friday, October 24, 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime contributions to maritime excellence, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to education and sustainability.
The ceremony took place on Webb’s waterfront campus in Glen Cove, NY. Among the distinguished guests were members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, and Dr. Chao’s eldest daughter, the Honorable Elaine Chao, who is the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor.
A Journey of Perseverance and Vision
Dr. Chao’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial success. Growing up in a small farming village in China , his childhood was shaped by wars and hardship , yet his parents’ belief in education led him to major in navigation at a top Chinese university. At age 29, he became one of the youngest sea masters of his time.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chao addressed Webb:
When I was growing up, I never expected my life to turn out the way it did. As you embark upon your lives, change will always be present, occurring faster and faster, and your life will turn out in ways you may never have imagined. My childhood was shaped by wars: the Japanese invasion and then occupation; World War II; and the civil wars that went on for almost 40 years. But my parents believed in education and they sacrificed and saved to send me to school.
Dr. Chao scored #1 on a national examination, breaking a record that had stood for hundreds of years and providing the opportunity to come to the United States alone. After three years, he was able to bring his family to America. Though he had initially hoped to attend Webb Institute, he went on to earn his MBA from St. John’s University and founded the Foremost Group in New York in 1964.
Photo Collage: From Sea Captain to Visionary Leader
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.
Images from Dr. Chao’s early career and family archives. Pictures courtesy of Foremost Archives.Leading the Way in Dry Bulk Shipping
Under Dr. Chao’s leadership, Foremost Group became a global leader in dry bulk shipping. The New York-based international shipping company is celebrated for its high ethical standards, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Decades before environmental protection became a global priority, Foremost pioneered energy-efficient ship designs and sustainable technologies, making it one of the world’s most eco-friendly fleets. The company’s motto is Honor. Integrity. Performance.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In his remarks, Dr. Chao reflected on the importance of the maritime profession – naval architecture and marine engineering to global trade and connecting peoples and nations.
Dr. Chao offered words of encouragement to the students: “Never be afraid of challenges. In every difficulty lies an opportunity”. He emphasized that while subject area expertise is necessary , the ability to “think broadly and creatively” and to “adapt, and to innovate” will make them stand out in a world facing changes from technology and AI.
Webb Institute President Mark Martecchini stated,
We honor Dr. Chao and celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Chao and his family on the maritime world. Dr. Chao and his family exemplify the industry’s highest ideals: honor, resilience, and a deep commitment to the public good.
A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have supported educational institutions globally, including through the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center at the Harvard Business School, and have provided thousands of scholarships. Webb Institute itself provides a full-tuition scholarship to every student in its top-ranked undergraduate program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Photo Collage: A Day of Honor and Reflection
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.
Scenes from the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at Webb Institute. Photos by Kyle Koleda.Webb Institute Launches Historic Fundraising Campaign
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
10 Year Anniversary of Group Therapy | An Interview with Dr. Michelle Stein
1. What inspired you to start the Group Program at Webb 10 years ago?
I appreciate the opportunity to speak about the Group Program which was developed specifically for Webb students. I hope this interview will allow for a greater understanding of how this program evolved and how it has been utilized by the Webb community. Eleven years ago, a group of concerned Webb students created a lengthy mental health survey and presented the results to the administration. At that time there were no mental health providers at Webb Institute, and students needed to use an impersonal crisis hotline for help. The students hoped the survey would be the catalyst for improving the mental health resources available at Webb. The survey revealed significant amounts of anxiety, depression and substance use, which then prompted the administration to search for a part-time psychologist to provide in-person counseling services. When I was interviewed for this position by the students, they emphasized that many of their peers were unhappy, socially disconnected and stressed. My initial instinct was that group therapy, the treatment of choice when faced with interpersonal struggles, would benefit this community. Moreover, the literature in my field has steadfastly stated that the single best predictor of happiness, when analyzing a myriad of financial, medical and other emotional factors, is having strong connections with others. I fervently believed that if I could get Webb students to join a group, that I would be able to help them develop the skills necessary to both improve their interpersonal relationships and their mental health. Initially I faced a serious roadblock; the stigma surrounding getting mental health services made it difficult to recruit students to the Group Program. After a little brainstorming, I developed a plan targeted to both reduce the stigma as well as expose the students to the group process. I credit a large part of the program’s success to Webb’s former President Keith Michel, for he enthusiastically gave me the green light to implement my vision for the Group Program.
2. What essentially is Webb’s Group Program?
The Group Program consists of two parts; The Freshmen Group Program and the Voluntary Group Program. Freshmen Group is a mandatory four week program that begins at the start of the Fall semester. The freshmen are divided into three groups and meet weekly. The Freshmen Group is NOT a therapeutic group. The purpose of the Freshmen Group is twofold. Firstly, and most importantly, it is a chance for all incoming students to get to know me, which hopefully will make it less intimidating to contact me for an individual session if the need arises. The second purpose of the Freshmen Group program is for me to get to know the freshmen, so that if they choose to continue with a voluntary group after the Freshmen Group ends, I can place them in an appropriate group. The Voluntary Group Program is a weekly group therapy program that runs the entire academic year. My first year at Webb, there was only one voluntary group at Webb consisting mostly of the students who advocated for my appointment. Currently, I run eight voluntary groups each week. The majority of the groups have 10 or 11 members. Typically group members remain in the same group until graduation. For the past three years, over 80% of the Webb community has participated in the Voluntary Group Program. Attendance overall is excellent, which is remarkable considering how busy Webb students are. I believe that the stigma surrounding mental health at Webb has been greatly reduced, which has helped this program grow. Of note, it should not be overlooked that this program is provided to the students at no additional cost to them. Furthermore, Webb is most likely the only higher educational facility that has the overwhelming majority of its students participating in a voluntary group therapy program.
3. Webbies are known for their intellect, but many are also introverted and private. How did you build trust and create space for openness in group sessions?
This is an excellent question. In order to have an environment whereby students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, there has to be an understanding that the information that is disclosed in the group room stays within the walls of the group room. Confidentiality is the crux of the Group Program. During Freshmen Group, the rules of confidentiality and their limits are explained in great detail, and each freshman signs a confidentiality agreement. Moreover, after sensitive information is shared in the group room, I will remind students about confidentiality.
4. Can you describe what a typical group is like?
There is no set agenda for each group. I begin each meeting with a general prompt like “Does anyone have anything they want to share this week?” Most times, groups take off from there without any intervention on my part. Just to clarify, the vast majority of the students who are in the Group Program are well-adjusted college students. Topics brought up in groups are typical for this age cohort, including feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family problems, substance use concerns and time management difficulties. For freshmen, the all too common fear of not being able to succeed at Webb is met with a giant “we know exactly how you feel and this is how we got through it.” For the student who is struggling academically as well as personally, having a group of people who can understand how the academic demands of Webb can exacerbate other non-academic issues is comforting. Group provides a wide safety net for its members; it’s a judgment- free zone where students can voice anything that is on their minds. The group members form a mini community and often develop strong bonds. I recall one group when an underclassman was expressing discomfort due to frequent panic attacks and loneliness, an upperclassman asked this student for their phone, plugged in their number and said you now have someone to call 24/7. Group also offers its members the benefit of having 10 additional perspectives to a problem. I often anoint a group member assistant leader status after they provide spot-on advice to their peers. Groups can allow for experiential experiences that you can not get in individual therapy. For example, a group member who is unaware of how their behavior is negatively affecting their classmates, can get real-time supportive feedback about these behaviors as they occur in the group setting. Finally, group is not always intense, we laugh a lot and look forward to having a stress-free hour to unwind each week.
5. How have you seen students grow emotionally and socially through the Group program?
Group offers me the privilege of having quality time with many students over the course of four years; of giving me a front-row seat to witness the trajectory of their emotional maturation. Typically, most freshmen start off kind of quiet; they sit back and are observers rather than conversation starters. There is a direct correlation between the students’ class year and the number of contributions they make. By the time most students are seniors and have been in a group for four years, they are more comfortable sharing, and they have also honed the skills to facilitate conversations with others. At times, group members in the same group have had disputes. Carefully dismantling those conflicts allows all of the group members not only to offer advice but also to draw parallels between the issue at hand and their own conflicts. One of the most rewarding parts of leading groups is to help diffuse conflicts between roommates, romantic partners and peers by helping each party to gain an understanding of their adversary and thereby have a better perspective of the situation. It is my great hope that the tools that group members learn in group will parlay into their post-graduation lives.
6. What personal values of yours have you added to the Group Program?
I think that my strong belief in expressing gratitude to others and providing positive feedback has seeped its way into the Group Program. We are often so hard on ourselves and quick to listen to negative self-talk. I strive to remind these students every week that they are valued and important. Any opportunity I have to give someone a compliment or cheer for their accomplishments, big or small, I take. Probably the best example of this is Senior Week. Senior Week is held during one of the last weeks of the spring semester and it is basically my gift to the seniors for their dedication to group. During Senior Week, the seniors receive feedback from each group member and myself about the positive impact they have made on their other group members. The seniors also go around the room and reciprocate positive feedback to each group member as well. Without fail, there are feelings of disbelief listening to how one’s actions positively impacted their peers, feelings of love and respect are acknowledged, friendships are appreciated and happy tears are shed. Senior Week also provides the seniors a place to reflect on their college experience and recognize their own personal growth. If we circle back to why I started The Group Program in the first place – to help form connections that can aid with increasing one’s level of happiness – it is during Senior Week that I clearly see the success of this program. One of the most common sentiments expressed is that close friendships were made between people who wouldn’t have chosen each other to be friends outside of group, be that because they were in different classes or more typically because of different personality styles. Webb Institute is a prestigious college, with top-notch faculty, a caring administration and,most importantly, incredible, inquisitive, and talented students. It is my sincere hope that the Group Program has made Webb students a little happier and that the skills and friendships made in group will last a lifetime.
Webb Institute Named One of the Nation’s Best Colleges by The Princeton Review (2026)
GLEN COVE, NY – August, 2025 –Webb Institute has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s best undergraduate institutions, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features Webb in the 2026 edition of its highly selective annual guide, The Best 391 Colleges, released by Penguin Random House.
Only 15% of America’s nearly 2,400 four-year colleges are included in The Princeton Review guidebook. Selection is based on surveys of 2,000 college administrators about their institutions’ academic offerings, as well as feedback from students who rated their schools on dozens of topics and shared details about their campus experience.
“This recognition from The Princeton Review affirms the extraordinary academic experience and close-knit community we foster here at Webb,” said Mark Martecchini, President of Webb Institute. “Our students’ passion for naval architecture and marine engineering, coupled with our faculty’s dedication, creates a truly unique and world-class educational environment.”
In its profile of Webb Institute, The Princeton Review editors praise the institution for being “a very niche school that is very good at what it does,” where “each student graduates with a dual degree” in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. The profile highlights Webb’s distinctive Winter Work Term, during which every student completes a paid internship in the maritime industry, from yacht design to work aboard an Antarctic icebreaker.
Students surveyed describe Webb as a place where “so many people collaborate on homework,” professors are “invested” and “accessible,” and the community is “accepting of absolutely everything: we love our school and each other.” And while Webb is the nation’s only college devoted solely to naval architecture and marine engineering, students don’t have to know anything about ships- they just have to be motivated to study engineering.
“Webb Institute has outstanding academic programs, and the feedback we received from its students was very impressive,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief and lead author of The Best 391 Colleges. “We are delighted to name Webb one of our Best Colleges for 2026 and to recommend it to students searching for their ‘best-fit’ college.”
Webb received rating scores of 93 in Academics, 85 in Quality of Life, and 98 in Fire Safety. The Institute maintains a 100% job placement rate for graduates, a hallmark of its rigorous program and strong alumni network.
For more information on The Princeton Review’s Best 391 Colleges list, visit www.princetonreview.com/college/webb-institute-1023841.
About Webb Institute
Webb Institute is a top-ranked, private undergraduate institution specializing in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Located in Glen Cove, New York, Webb offers full-tuition scholarships to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents and boasts a unique Winter Work Term program, a close-knit campus community, and a 100% job placement rate for graduates. Learn more at www.webb.edu.
About Princeton Review
The Best 391 Colleges is one of more than 150 Princeton Review books in a line published by Penguin Random House. The book and its annual rankings have been featured on NBC TODAY more than two dozen times over the years and referenced by media from NPR to The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com), founded in 1981, is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, admission services, school rankings, books, and other resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.