Press Releases

11-4-2025

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Honored with IAEM-USA 2025 Student Chapter Award; Recognized Nationally for Leadership in Emergency Management

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED NOVEMBER 4, 2025…It is with great pride that Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, announces receipt of the 2025 Student Chapter Award from the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA).

Presented at the recent IAEM Annual Conference and Emergency Management and Homeland Security Expo (EMEX) in Louisville, Kentucky, the prestigious award recognizes the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s entirely student-led IAEM Chapter for its exceptional leadership, advocacy, community engagement, and commitment to professional development.

Among the Academy’s impressive accomplishments in 2025 included participation in “Emergency Day on Beacon Hill,” where students met with legislators at the Massachusetts State House to advocate for increased funding and support for emergency management at the state and local levels.

The MMA Chapter was also commended for its remarkable membership growth, having doubled its numbers over the past year by welcoming and engaging incoming freshmen. This expansion of membership was complimented by the chapter’s slate of programming, including guest speakers, LinkedIn workshops, and peer support.

In addition to campus activities, the MMA Student Chapter was acknowledged for developing strong relationships with various community partners through organized tours of key agencies such as the Providence Emergency Management Agency, the Hyannis Fire Department, and FEMA Region 1 offices – experiences that provided students with a better understanding of real-world emergency management.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of every member of the Academy’s IAEM chapter,” said George Cadwalader, Jr., professor/chair of the Emergency Management & Homeland Security Department at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He extended special thanks to the Student Chapter’s senior leadership – Logan Smith, Kinsley Trout, Katie Dowling, Eli Jache – and faculty advisor Dr. Samantha Montano for their pivotal role in achieving the prestigious honor. 

“National recognition from IAEM-USA reflects the caliber of our students and the strength of our academic mission,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “The entire Academy community congratulates the IAEM student chapter not only for receiving this great honor, but also for its commitment to the field of emergency management.”

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY (MMA): 
MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter:@MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Photo:  Taken on April 9, 2025, during the Emergency  Management Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill, organized by IAEM Region 1; from left to right:  State Representative David Vieira, State Representative Hannah Kane, MMA Cadet Kinsley Trout (Chapter V.P.), MMA Cadet Katie Dowling (Chapter P.I.O./Secretary), MMA Cadet Eli Jache (Chapter Treasurer), State Representative Steven Xiarhos, MMA Cadet Logan Smith (Chapter President), MMA Cadet Christopher Cecil (Chapter Training Lead), MMA Cadet Jake Metcalf (Chapter Member) and State Representative Michelle Badger.