Webb Institute Honors Global Maritime Leader Dr. James S.C. Chao with Honorary Doctorate
- foremostangelachao
- Oct 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Webb Institute
Glen Cove, New York
October 24, 2025
Read Dr. James S. C. Chao's remarks:
Read President Mark Martecchini's introduction of Dr. James S. C. Chao:
Read Marine Link's news report:
Webb Institute proudly awarded Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chairman of the Foremost Group, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Friday, October 24, 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime contributions to maritime excellence, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to education and sustainability.
The ceremony took place on Webb’s waterfront campus in Glen Cove, NY. Among the distinguished guests were members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, and Dr. Chao’s eldest daughter, the Honorable Elaine Chao, who is the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor.
A Journey of Perseverance and Vision
Dr. Chao’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial success. Growing up in a small farming village in China , his childhood was shaped by wars and hardship , yet his parents’ belief in education led him to major in navigation at a top Chinese university. At age 29, he became one of the youngest sea masters of his time.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chao addressed Webb:
When I was growing up, I never expected my life to turn out the way it did. As you embark upon your lives, change will always be present, occurring faster and faster, and your life will turn out in ways you may never have imagined. My childhood was shaped by wars: the Japanese invasion and then occupation; World War II; and the civil wars that went on for almost 40 years. But my parents believed in education and they sacrificed and saved to send me to school.
Dr. Chao scored No.1 on a national examination, breaking a record that had stood for hundreds of years and providing the opportunity to come to the United States alone. After three years, he was able to bring his family to America. Though he had initially hoped to attend Webb Institute, he went on to earn his MBA from St. John’s University and founded the Foremost Group in New York in 1964.
Leading the Way in Dry Bulk Shipping
Under Dr. Chao’s leadership, Foremost Group became a global leader in dry bulk shipping. The New York-based international shipping company is celebrated for its high ethical standards, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Decades before environmental protection became a global priority, Foremost pioneered energy-efficient ship designs and sustainable technologies, making it one of the world’s most eco-friendly fleets. The company’s motto is Honor. Integrity. Performance.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In his remarks, Dr. Chao reflected on the importance of the maritime profession – naval architecture and marine engineering to global trade and connecting peoples and nations.
Dr. Chao offered words of encouragement to the students: “Never be afraid of challenges. In every difficulty lies an opportunity”. He emphasized that while subject area expertise is necessary , the ability to “think broadly and creatively” and to “adapt, and to innovate” will make them stand out in a world facing changes from technology and AI.
Webb Institute President Mark Martecchini stated,
We honor Dr. Chao and celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Chao and his family on the maritime world. Dr. Chao and his family exemplify the industry’s highest ideals: honor, resilience, and a deep commitment to the public good.
A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have supported educational institutions globally, including through the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center at the Harvard Business School, and have provided thousands of scholarships. Webb Institute itself provides a full-tuition scholarship to every student in its top-ranked undergraduate program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
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