MMA students graduate ‘into a changing world'
In face of new technologies, ‘people are still key,’ says former cabinet secretary and keynote speaker Elaine Chao
Maine Maritime Academy hosted its 83rd commencement ceremony on May 2. Photo courtesy of Maine Maritime Academy.
May 6, 2026
By Emily Baer
CASTINE—Graduates of Maine Maritime Academy crossed the stage on May 2, marking the school’s 83rd commencement ceremony and the culmination of years of academic study and specialized training in subjects ranging from marine transportation operations, international business and logistics, oceanography, marine systems engineering, and more.
The ceremony, held at the academy’s Alexander Field House, followed an academic awards program and graduation brunch for seniors and their families.
Ralph Boardman, who graduated from the academy in 1979, opened the ceremony with a moment of reflection.
“It takes a special breed of student to succeed here at Maine Maritime. One with an aptitude for hard work, intellect, and tenacity,” Boardman said to the graduates sitting before him. “But you're also here today because of the people behind you. Your parents, families, spouses, and friends. There are so many people here that are invested in your life. And all of us are so very proud of you.”
Academy President Craig Johnson also addressed the class, recognizing their resilience and accomplishments.
“Whether you sail as licensed officers, scientists, business leaders, work in shipyards, serve in our armed forces, engineer the systems that move the world, or lead shoreside operations,” Johnson said, “you will be entrusted with people, cargo, assets, in environments that matter. The sea does not negotiate with complacency. It rewards preparation. It exposes shortcuts, tests character, and reveals leaders.”
Johnson acknowledged the challenges graduates will face as industries and economies around the world adapt to changing technologies, supply chain demands, sustainability goals.
Elaine Chao, who has served as both transportation and labor secretar addresses graduates. Photo courtesy of Maine Maritime Academy.
“You're graduating into a changing world,” he said. “New technologies in the very fields you'll work in, new demands on supply chains, new expectations for sustainability, and new challenges for global security.”
The commencement address was delivered by former U.S. Transportation Secretary and U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, who echoed Johnson’s remarks and spoke to graduates about leadership and service in a global industry.
“The technological tectonic plates are shifting and transforming our society,” Chao said. “But I believe that people are still key. Maine Maritime has prepared you to not only navigate oceans, but to navigate complexity.”
“It's taught you how to think under pressure. Lead under uncertainty, remain steady when conditions are anything but,” she said. “America needs strong mariners and principled leaders. People willing to accept responsibility and serve when it matters most. That is who you are.”
The academy bestowed three honorary degrees during the ceremony: James S. C. Chao, who is Elaine Chao’s father and the founder of Foremost Group, an international shipping company; Wayne Hamilton, founder of Hamilton Marine; and Elaine Chao.
Captain Gary Chase, commanding officer of Maine Maritime's Naval ROTC unit, led all coast-guard licensed program students in the Oath of the Merchant Marine.
“The oath of the merchant marine officer is brief,” Chase said. “But its brevity does not reduce its significance as a solemn commitment to the high ideals and standards of the profession.”
After the conferral of degrees, Gabriella M. Bowes, president of the graduating class, led the class in a farewell cheer.
“I propose three cheers for those we leave behind,” she said, to an enthusiastic response from her peers.
The graduates filed out of the auditorium to meet their families to the sound of AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” over the loudspeakers.
Following the commencement ceremonies, newly commissioned officers participated in an afternoon Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) commissioning ceremony.
Graduating students pose for family photos atop the Maine Maritime Academy sign in Castine on May 2. From left: Chase Carmichael, Dana Hamilton, Gavin Gilburg, Owen de Mars, William Wilson and Myles Mayhew. Photo by John Boit.