Introduction of Dr. James S. C. Chao by Mark Martecchini, President of Webb Institute

Glen Cove, New York

Friday, October 24, 2025

I welcome Dr. James S.C. Chao; the 18th Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao; the Chao family and members of the Foremost Group; Webb’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students, and other special guests, to this most festive event, honoring Dr. Chao for his accomplishments in the marine industry and his contributions to education.

In early October I attended the US Coast Guard Foundation gala in New York City where Dr. Chao was also celebrated.  It was a big event, with assembled luminaries from the maritime world, many professionally produced fundraising videos, and a New York City fireboat decorating the Hudson River with all pumps running at full throttle.  New York City events are like that – high visibility.

So what can we here at Webb add to what has already been said?  We are small in scope, but mighty in our field, in educating naval architects and marine engineers to design the best ships.  We use the word “family” to represent this unique Webb community, where everyone knows everyone, both students and alumni, providing lifelong friendships and networking.  And family is the common link of today.

Dr. Chao, his wife Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, and their 6 daughters are an American success story.  This Horatio Alger story is not about just one person: it’s about the success of a family in overcoming obstacles in achieving high goals for all.  Family support was critical to that success, just as it is with our students, who rely on each other to thrive in our challenging curriculum. 

We honored Dr. Chao’s late daughter, Angela, with an Honorary Degree in 2019, and she spoke of the importance of family in her success.  We honor more than Dr. Chao today:  we honor how strong family bonds are equally important to what an individual can do on their own.  And if we substitute “community” for “family”, we see what we must do in these turbulent times for us to succeed together.

Shared values are critical to shared success.  At the Foremost Group, they are Honor, Integrity, and Performance.  At Webb, our shared values are Excellence, Community, and Opportunity.  I know that Dr. Chao and the Chao family share Webb’s values.

Dr. Chao scored the highest on his Master’s qualification exam.  To succeed in the very competitive shipping business, he had to be a step ahead every day.  Better ships, better market knowledge and timing, hiring the best people – he excelled in all these.  Dr. Chao, with this award you become an Honorary Webb alumnus – you share our passion for excellence.

Within Community, we value honor and integrity, respect and relationships, and giving back to the Community – just as the Chao family has done with their philanthropic mission.

And finally, our full tuition scholarship provides equal Opportunity regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status; the opportunity to start their lives without debt; and the  opportunity to secure a career path leading to success and leadership.  Dr. Chao learned firsthand how important these are, as you’ll hear in his life story that had many challenges.

Dr. Chao and his family show the importance of Webb’s values – and we celebrate him for that.

We shall now proceed to confer upon Dr. James S.C. Chao an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.  The Honorary Doctorate is the highest degree Webb Institute can grant.  Chairman Jon LaBerge will read the citation.

Thank you, Dr. Chao for your insightful remarks.  I urge our assembled students to pay heed to his life lessons.  You are being given the keys to improving your own life paths to happiness, family, and success.  Use them!

As we close the official ceremony, I invite everyone to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and drinks and to meet Dr. Chao and our special guests.

Thank you all, and good afternoon!