Cal Poly Maritime Academy (formerly the CSU Maritime Academy) awarded 150 bachelor’s degrees and 20 master’s degrees at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at Bodnar Field.
A commissioning ceremony, where 14 graduating midshipmen took oaths of office and commission as officers in either the U.S. Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift Officer Force or U.S. Navy. Additional cadets will earn their licenses following the completion of an upcoming summer sea training.
Degree-eligible students celebrated in front of a crowd of their families, faculty and staff members, city and county elected representatives and university leaders. The occasion marked the final graduating class of Cal Maritime students, as the university is integrating with Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and future graduates will receive Cal Poly degrees. This year’s class will join a network of nearly 4 million alumni across the California State University system who are making a global impact.
“We are so proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the class of 2026,” Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said. “The hands-on learning these students have gained by navigating challenges on land, in labs, through work experience and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear have prepared them to build successful careers and communities across California and the world.”
Tradition is rich throughout the ceremony: TSummer Sea Term Corps Cmdr. Jenny Scott rang the ship bell three times and welcomed guests and graduates. At the end, outgoing Corps Cmdr. Tyler Venator rang it again three times to signify “last watch” for the members of the Corps of Cadets of the class of 2026.
Honorary Degree
The university awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree to Capt. Kate McCue, who graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is the inaugural captain of Four Seasons, helping launch a new era in luxury yachting.
A pioneer in the global maritime industry, she broke barriers as the first American woman to captain a mega-cruise ship, and today, she continues to redefine leadership at sea while empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM and maritime fields.
Capt. McCue was named one of Time100 Creators for turning the bridge of her Royal Caribbean ship into a front-row seat for nearly 5 million followers on social media, helping bridge the gap between the maritime world and the public, cultivating appreciation for the ocean’s role in commerce, sustainability and global connection. In 2023, she was recognized by the Cal Maritime Alumni Association as its Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.