Angela Chao Delivered the Keynote Address at the 2019 Webb Institute Commencement Ceremony
Foremost Group Chair and CEO Angela Chao delivered the keynote address and received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Webb Institute at its 123rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019. A total of 21 undergraduates received dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
The Webb Family Singers began the event with the singing of the national anthem. R. Keith Michel, who is the president of Webb Institute and himself an alumnus of the class of 1973, spoke to the graduating class and then invited Ms. Chao to deliver the keynote address.
The Webb Family Singers began the event with the singing of the national anthem. R. Keith Michel, who is the president of Webb Institute and himself an alumnus of the class of 1973, spoke to the graduating class and then invited Ms. Chao to deliver the keynote address.
The Transformative Power of Education
Ms. Chao implored the graduates to make the maritime industry and the world a better place. She sought to motivate the graduating class by telling the story of how her parents became successful in America through much determination and optimism. She conveyed to them the importance of education and how her parents would insist that it is the only way to actualize one's dreams.
Remembering from Where They Came
Andrew Pidduck served as the Class of 2019's student speaker and he reminded the class of its responsibility to be good representatives of the school. He spoke enthusiastically about the class's experiences and education as well as the many friendships that were formed at school. He insisted that the members of the class would never forget the place that provided them with so much opportunity.
Additional awards and honors were bestowed for outstanding achievement in various academic areas, such as mathematics, highest grade average, and thesis development. Students who showed exceptional commitment to community service as volunteers and community advocates were recognized as well.
Additional awards and honors were bestowed for outstanding achievement in various academic areas, such as mathematics, highest grade average, and thesis development. Students who showed exceptional commitment to community service as volunteers and community advocates were recognized as well.
A Bright Future for the Graduating Class
Many of the graduates have already been recruited by major industry names, such as NSWC Carderock, Vigor, Newport News Shipbuilding, Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, Shipwright and BMT Designers and Planners. Others are heading to the University of Michigan, MIT, or Delft University of Technology, where they will pursue graduate studies.
A Shipbuilder and Philanthropist
Webb Institute is a unique undergraduate college. All students must complete a dual-major program in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. It is the only private undergraduate college in its sphere that provides students with a full-tuition scholarship.
The college was founded by William H. Webb in 1889. Webb was a shipbuilder and philanthropist who used his own money to support the institute's operations. An endowment was created with the funds from his assets that continues to support the institution and to provide scholarships. Corporations, foundations, individuals, and alumni help cover the institute’s operating costs as well.
The college was founded by William H. Webb in 1889. Webb was a shipbuilder and philanthropist who used his own money to support the institute's operations. An endowment was created with the funds from his assets that continues to support the institution and to provide scholarships. Corporations, foundations, individuals, and alumni help cover the institute’s operating costs as well.