Marcus Bennett (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett has received the 2020 Reserve Officer of America Outstanding Family Support Contributor award for his work to support safe operation of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training ship cruises.
Bennett was nominated for the award, presented by the Reserve Organization of America, Michigan Department, by GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. In summer 2020, Bennett facilitated a system of quarantines in NMC residence halls that ensured 42 maritime cadets were able to safely board and sail on the training ship State of Michigan or a comercial vessel despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the six state maritime academies in the U.S. GLMA was one of only two that was able to sail in 2020, which afforded cadets the opportunity to earn required sea time and remain on track to graduate. The award noted Bennett’s efforts helped cadets and family members “endure extreme conditions of a pandemic” and graduate on schedule.
Vaccines may eliminate the need to quarantine before this year’s cruises, but if not, Bennett will be relied upon again, Achenbach said.
“Currently, Dr. Bennett is working tirelessly to ensure that a safe quarantine will be ready in May 2021 for the cadets, if needed,” he said.
Read more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
Release date: MARCH 23, 2021
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu