San Jac receives NAMEPA award for maritime stewardship
San Jacinto College has received the North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s 2024 Maritime Academies Award for equipping students with the skills necessary for responsible marine operations and environmental compliance.
The only educational institution recognized, San Jac was one of 11 outstanding individuals and groups honored by NAMEPA’s Marine Environment Protection Awards for contributing to marine environmental stewardship.
The NAMEPA awards recognize individuals and organizations that preserve the marine environment by setting specific objectives for environmental performance/improvement and creating programs that are innovative, go beyond minimum compliance, and have a long-term, substantial impact.
“We are honored to receive the Maritime Academies Award,” said John Stauffer, associate vice chancellor of maritime. “At the Maritime Campus, we educate current and future mariners on sustainable practices and responsible stewardship to protect our waterways. By fostering awareness and action, we contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable maritime industry.”
San Jacinto College accepted the award Oct. 24 at NAMEPA’s awards dinner in New York City, held in conjunction with the association’s annual conference. Stauffer spoke on a leadership roundtable panel before the awards presentation that evening.
Other NAMEPA award recipients included...
- Environmental Innovation Award: T&T Salvage
- Government (Federal, State, or Local Agency) Award: NOAA’s Tides & Currents Division
- Individual Award: Megan O’Leary of Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
- Maritime Industry Award: American Bureau of Shipping
- Sustainability Award: Moran Towing Corporation
- Non-profit Award: New England Aquarium
- Port Award: Port Houston
- Seafarers Ministry Award: International Seafarers’ Center
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Vogel
- Posthumous Award: Angela Chao
“We are excited to honor this year’s award recipients, who exemplify leadership in maritime best practices and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, NAMEPA co-founder and chief executive officer. “Their collective efforts not only enhance the health of our oceans but also set a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry.”
NAMEPA supports MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) compliance, promotes sustainable shipping practices, and provides educational resources that engage the maritime industry in responsible decision-making aligned with environmental and social goals.
For more information about the Maritime Campus, visit sanjac.edu/maritime.
For more information about NAMEPA, visit namepa.net.
About North American Marine Environment Protection Association
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable maritime industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information, visit namepa.net.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
