MMA launches campaign

Maine Maritime Academy’s ambitious $21 million fund-raising goal announced last week was a welcome sign that this important part of Maine’s education network has big plans for its future. The academy has a worldwide reputation for producing excellent ship’s officers and engineers, but is too often overlooked in its home state. The new campaign is a great chance to support this local asset and draw attention to its many contributions.

MMA is young for a school, a mere stripling at 59 years old. But from its nascent days before World War II, to its service in support of the Merchant Marine during the war and, afterward, its steady expansion in both range and depth of academic degrees, the academy has been a valuable resource to Maine, the nation and now, as often as not, the international shipping industry. Its current enrollment of 720 students is its largest ever.

It’s not surprising that, more than most schools, MMA is dependent on state-of-the-art technology. And while part of the campaign is devoted to acquiring an upgraded navigation and shiphandling simulator, a diesel simulator and advanced computers for the training ship State of Maine, a large portion is going to scholarships and to other purely academic pursuits such as an endowed chair in engineering and three named professorships. Graduating MMA seniors carry an average debt of $20,000, even though academy students receive $4.6 million annually in aid. A larger endowment would let MMA reduce that burden. A further significant part of the donations will upgrade several campus buildings long overdue for renovation.

The fund-raising drive is already well under way, with private donations near $6 million of the $13 million goal, and $4 million pledged from the state. MMA intends to ask for an additional $4 million from the Legislature this year, and while that money is unlikely to be available through the General Fund, it could well come from a bond issue supported by voters.

MMA originally planned this campaign to last five years, but it is far enough ahead of its fund-raising schedule that it might be done in two or three. That would be quite an accomplishment for the school, and evidence that many people understand the value that Maine Maritime Academy brings to Maine and to the world through its excellent programs.