Josie Wilson’s Retirement


Among the hallowed halls of Webb and the Long Island Sound landscape, where memories have been woven over decades, we gathered to bid farewell to one of our most esteemed figures, Josie Wilson, the Director of Academic Services.

Webb’s very own Queen Josie

Over the years, Josie Wilson has been a beacon of guidance, inspiring countless students with her unwavering dedication and tireless service. As she announces her retirement, marking the onset of a well-deserved new chapter, we come together as a community to celebrate her legacy.

In June of 2023, at her retirement dinner, Josie took the stage to deliver her heartfelt speech. This momentous occasion was preceded by acknowledgments from President Mark Martecchini, and the Dean, Matthew Werner, both of whom honored Josie’s significant contributions and profound impact at Webb. Below, we revisit her touching farewell speech from Homecoming in May of 2023. It was a moment that brought a blend of smiles and tears, a testament to her profound impact.

Farewell, Josie, and may this new journey be filled with the same inspiration and excellence you’ve instilled in all of us.

 

 

Josie cutting her celebratory cake

“As we all know, Webb Institute is a unique and special place, where students not only receive an excellent education, but also develop lifelong friendships, values, and passions. I have witnessed firsthand how students have grown from their shy first days on campus to confident seniors ready to contribute to the maritime industry.

As I look back on my 33 years here, I cherish the many moments I have shared with the students in the hallways, in my office for a tissue, a hug, or a piece of chocolate, or just to hang out and talk about a recent Winter Work experience or what they will be doing in the summer. You have inspired me and taught me so much too. You have given me joy, laughter, and friendship. You are more than just alumni; you have made me a part of the Webb family, which is truly an honor. The alumni are the reason why Webb Institute is such a wonderful place. And the reason why I am standing here today with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye.

When I was little, I always said when I grow up, I want to be a Mommy. And that dream came true. I was a Mom for many years of about 100 students a year. And I loved every minute of it. And one final thank you to William Webb. It was because of his insight to create such a wonderful, unique college that I have had the most fulfilling career anyone could ever hope for. ”

Webb’s administration, faculty, and friends

A Harmonious Intersection of Art and Engineering: World-Renowned Pianist, Alexei Tartakovsky Performs at Webb


When world-renowned Russian-American pianist, Alexei Tartakovsky played the music of Mozart, Chopin, and Schubert on the grand piano at Webb Institute on September 7, Webb became more than a school for future shipbuilders. It also became a hub for creators, architects, and engineers – entranced in the journey of musical art and creativity.

Students dressed in formal attire for a special night of timeless melodies.

“A fantastic musician and pianist,” enthused fellow classical pianist, Martha Argerich, which is a sentiment echoed by the New York Concert Review, calling him “one of the finest young pianists in recent years.”

From winning three top prizes in a single year to a unanimous first prize win at the Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition, Tartakovsky had always stolen the spotlight on international stages. To have him at Webb for our unique community was special.

What made this evening particularly meaningful was the collaborative spirit that brought Tartakovsky to our campus. “Our students not only excel in STEM; they have an appreciation for all facets of human achievement, including the arts and music,” commented Professor Goloubeva, one of the key orchestrators of the event, along with Professor Harris.

Professor Harris, coordinator of our Humanities program at Webb added, “Alexei Tartakovsky’s performance was an enhancement of our Humanities program, and a testament to the multidimensional and creative talent we cultivate here. You can see that our students felt the music deeply.”

Webbies engage in conversation during the intermission of musical inspiration.

Jack Jackson, a member of the Leadership Committee responsible for the recital, said, “This event, the first of its kind for some of us, was a valuable chance for Webbies to experience the artistry of piano performance and expand our outlook on beauty beyond the engineering curriculum, and into the field of fine art.”

As we send our heartfelt gratitude to Alexei Tartakovsky, who continues his European tour this week in Bonn, we also thank Professor Harris and Gloubeva as well as our pro-active Leadership Committee which includes Thomas Motyka, Ben Calkins, Jack Jackson, Steven Katz and Burke Kanemasu.

Their collective effort enriched what it means to be a Webbie – to be able to take in the magic of engineering and the arts, including the music of Chopin in a Long Island mansion.

As Alexei Tartakovsky graced Webb Institute’s mansion with notes of classical music, this special night captured the essence of what makes Webb a beautiful place for both mind and soul.

Webb Responds to Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action


To the Webb community,

On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision on how colleges and universities may consider race in their admissions policies and practices.  

The National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) has created an admissions/legal team to analyze the 237-page opinion and provide guidance in the coming weeks and months on compliance with the ruling.  We will review our own policies and practices to ensure we are fully compliant.  

Webb remains committed to an admission process that is merit-based and inclusive.  We seek diversity amongst applicants who meet our high academic standards.  The best and brightest applicants come from a diverse applicant pool.  Webb has and continues to work to increase representation of all qualified individuals in its student body and is a far better place for it.  

Our graduates enter industries that compete globally; navigating cultural differences is a vital skill, best developed in a diverse student body.  The maritime industry continues to diversify, and we will support that transition.  Our founder, William H. Webb, was a firm believer in the power of accessible education; we increasingly attract applicants who are first-generation college students, from a variety of backgrounds, hailing from families of limited means. 

As we continue to explore this ongoing discussion, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and let us keep an open dialogue on how best to achieve our goals. 

Regards,

Mark Martecchini

President

Commencement Awards for the Class of 2023


AWARDS AND AWARDEES

TOTAL PERFORMANCE

CHAFFEE MEMORIAL PRIZE​

Eric J.  Heilshorn, Jr.
for general excellence
{Sponsored by Trustee Emeritus, Joseph J. Cuneo ’57}

LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS

PATRICK S. MATRASCIA GOOD SHIPMATE AWARD

Gabriel J. Allen
for working unselfishly and in harmony with classmates
{Sponsored by President Emeritus R. Keith Michel ’73 & Family}

THE CHARLES KURZ II (Hon.) COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Jonathan W. Allen
for exemplary commitment of service to others through volunteerism, community service, and civic outreach
{Sponsored by Charles Kurz II (Hon.)}

PAUL E. ATKINSON MEMORIAL PRIZE IN ETHICS

Gabriel J. Allen
for ethical behavior
{Sponsored by Paul E. Atkinson Memorial Fund}

ACADEMICS

J. LEWIS LUCKENBACH MEMORIAL PRIZE

George R. Hambleton
for highest general average over four years
{Sponsored by the American Bureau of Shipping}

CHARLES A. WARD, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD

Kyle L. Murphy
for excellence in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
{Sponsored by Chairman of the Board, Bruce S. Rosenblatt and the Ward Family}

JENS T. HOLM ’41 MEMORIAL AWARD

George R. Hambleton
for excellence in marine engineering
{Sponsored by George A. Gilmore ’57}

KEELER MEMORIAL PRIZE

George R. Hambleton
highest average in mathematics
{Sponsored by Past Trustee, Dr. Luther Tai}

RICHARD A. PARTANEN HUMANITIES AWARD

Adriana Torres Rodriguez
for excellence in humanities
{Sponsored by the Class of 1987}

CURRAN MEMORIAL PRIZE

Kasey J. Kennedy
for most outstanding and consistent improvement
{Sponsored by Past Trustee, John A. Malone ’71 and his wife Amy}

THESIS

STEVENSON TAYLOR MEMORIAL PRIZE

Eric J. Heilshorn, Jr. & Kyle L. Murphy
for excellence in the senior thesis
{Sponsored by the American Bureau of Shipping}

LEWIS NIXON MEMORIAL PRIZE

Gabriel J. Allen & Natalie A. Webb
for excellence in the senior thesis
{Sponsored by Trustee Emeritus, John W. Russell ’67}

Professor Adrian Onas appointed as Member of the US National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics


We are thrilled to share that Professor Adrian S. Onas has been appointed a member of the US National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (USNC/TAM) on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), representing the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). This is a great achievement of Professor Onas, the Webb community and SNAME. It reflects his exceptional knowledge and expertise in mechanics, coupled with his passion for teaching our students Naval Architecture, and an active involvement as Chair of the Hydrodynamics Committee within the SNAME Technical & Research (T&R) Program and other academic and research activities.

The USNC/TAM established in 1949, is a great hub for U.S. engineering, scientific and mathematical communities that share a passion for mechanics. The committee serves as a national forum for defining major issues in mechanics research, technology, and education – addressing concerns and inspiring appropriate actions. The USNC/TAM also represents the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as the U.S. adhering organization to the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) – one of the 40 international scientific unions and associations of the International Science Council (ISC).

The IUTAM was formed in 1946 to connect experts and organizations working on scientific projects in mechanics or related sciences both at a theoretical or experimental level. Moreover, the USNC/TAM represents the United States in national and international activities related to the broad science of mechanics, including related sciences, engineering, and mathematics. It serves as a focal point for charting future priorities in mechanics-related research, applications, and education.

This appointment also reflects our community and commitment to the high caliber of faculty members we have here at Webb and reinforces our reputation as a center of excellence in engineering.

Congratulations, Professor Onas!