September 19, 2007

CAPT Albert B. Wilson, MMA ‘59
Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Dear CAPT Wilson,

It is with heartfelt gratitude we recognize you this evening for founding the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Parents Association.  Sixteen years ago in a letter dated November 1991, you invited parents to attend a kick-off meeting with then President Peter Cressy, CAPT Richard Gurnon, Commandant of Cadets, and CAPT Thomas Bushy, Master of Training Ship.

The initial invitation provided parents an opportunity to meet with Academy personnel and establish a purpose.  The purpose of the parents’ association was to provide information and support to Academy parents and their cadets.  Its purpose became its mission which remains the same today.

In a few short years, MMAPA established a trust fund in December1994 with $3,000 where a single scholarship of $1,000 was awarded.  Since then, the Parents Association has evolved into a well organized, hard-working, industrious group of parents all dedicated to the support of the Academy community.  We have come from raising $3,000 to $30,000 increasing our ability to award six $1,000 academic scholarships and three full $3,000 ADM Bresnahan Sea Term scholarships.  We continue to strive today with a commitment to improve each year’s gift of giving.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the jewel in the crown of public institutions for higher learning here in the Bay State and her people make her shine.  Your thirty-five dedicated years and countless contributions have added to her brilliance.

On behalf of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Parents Association, thank you for giving us life.  We hope we have made you proud.
Sincerely,

Ann Prete
MMAPA President

cc:        Trustee Jay Austin, Chairman of the Board
            ADM Richard Gurnon, President