Twenty-eight students in Georgian College’s Marine Studies programs at the Owen Sound Campus were recognized for their academic and technical achievements at a ceremony held at the Centre for Marine Training and Research on April 9.

In total, 23 awards amounting to $30,450 were disbursed to students enrolled in the Marine Technology Navigation, Marine Engineering Technology and Marine Engineering Management programs.

“Recognizing our remarkable students who’ve shown such determination and commitment is gratifying,” said Fred Varkaris, Dean, Owen Sound Campus. “Here we prepare them for rewarding careers in the marine industry, and in turn, they carry on the proud tradition with the knowledge, skills and professionalism that’s required.”

Among the awards handed out were the Algoma Central Corporation Award for Marine Technology Navigation, the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Award and the Captain Robert Hull Memorial Scholarship.

The Captain Robert Hull Memorial Scholarship is named for the highly decorated seafarer, Captain Robert Hull, who was a member of the first graduating class of Georgian’s Marine Navigation Technology program in 1976, receiving the Board of Governors’ gold medal for academic excellence upon graduation. In addition to a career at sea, Captain Hull assumed the role of full-time professor of Navigation at Georgian in 1991, supporting students in a teaching and mentoring capacity, and guiding aspiring officers toward reaching their goals with confidence.

In 2015, Captain Hull posthumously received the prestigious Lewis Ludington Award from the International Shipmasters’ Association.

Varkaris presided over the event with several local dignitaries and Georgian officials in attendance.

source: media release, Georgian College