MMA to dedicate Edward A. Rodgers Hall

CASTINE — Maine Maritime Academy will honor a former superintendent Friday, Aug. 16, with the dedication of Edward A. Rodgers Hall on the waterfront campus.

The building is being named for Rear Adm. Edward A. Rodgers of Bucksport who served as superintendent of the maritime college from 1964 to 1984. Now known as Bagaduce Hall, the building includes steam and diesel power plant simulators, an electricity laboratory, a machine shop, and faculty offices.

Rodgers, a 1940 graduate of the Naval Academy, joined the Castine college after a 24-year naval career. Under his leadership, Maine Maritime had unprecedented growth in academic programs and campus development, including $12 million in new construction. He upgraded the curriculum and led the academy to full membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The dedication program will begin with a 5:30 p.m. reception for invited guests on the Payson Hall Plaza. A buffet dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. in the Payson Hall boat bay, to be followed by remarks by Kenneth M. Curtis, president of the academy; Joseph Sewall of Old Town, chairman of the board of trustees; and Capt. William F. Brennan of Falmouth, a former commandant of midshipmen.