RADM John A. Okon's Introduction and Degree Conferral upon Dr. James S.C. Chao

Maritime College

State University of New York

The Office of the President

RADM John A. Okon ‘91, USN (Ret), USMS 

May 8, 2026 

[Degree Conferral for Dr. James S.C. Chao] 

Thank you, Secretary Chao, for those inspiring words. 

It is now my distinct honor to introduce a man whose life and legacy embody the very spirit of the maritime profession, and to present him for the conferral of an honorary degree from the First and Foremost Maritime Institution in this Nation, Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. 

Dr. James S.C. Chao’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and enduring impact. Born in a small farming village, he came to the United States with little more than determination, resilience, and a belief in opportunity. From those humble beginnings, at the age of 29 became one of the youngest sea-catains of his generation and later achieved the highest score ever recorded on the national master mariner examination, from those early years, we went on the build a remarkable career that would go on to shape global shipping and inspire generations of leaders across the maritime industry and beyond. 

As the founder of Foremost Group, Dr. Chao established the world’s most reknowed shipping companies, known not only for operational excellence, but for its unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, and integrity. Under his leadership, Foremost Group became a model of what principled, forward-looking maritime enterprise can achieve on the global stage, earning the respect of peers and partners around the world.

But Dr. Chao’s contributions extend far beyond business success. Together with is late wife, Ms. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, they have long been champions of education, public service, and the development of future leaders, including many who serve in our own maritime community. His deep commitment to expanding access to education, particularly through philanthropy, mentorship, and institutional support has created opportunity for countless individuals and strengthened the fabric of the communities he has touched, including here at Fort Schuyler. 

His life reflects the core values we seek to instill in our cadets: resilience in the face of challenge, humility in success, discipline in pursuit of excellence, and a deep sense of responsibility to give back and lift others along the way. 

Today, we recognize not only a pioneering maritime leader, but also a man whose character, generosity, and vision have strengthened both the maritime industry and the mission of this College in lasting and meaningful ways. 

At SUNY Maritime College, we prepare leaders of competence, character and purpose. Dr. Chao expemplifies those values in every respect and his journey stands as inspiration and a powerful example to our cadets as they begin their own. 

A visionary maritime leader, distinguished philanthropist and truly exceptional humanitatian, 

It is, therefore, with the highest respect, admiration, and honor that I announce: 

The State University of New York, by authority of the Board of Trustees and upon recommendation of the faculty, confers upon Dr. James S.C. Chao the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, with all the honors, rights, and privileges there to in testimony whereof this diploma is granted bearing the Seal of the University, given by The State University of New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, on May 8, 2026. 

Signed, 

Dr. Merryl H. Tisch, Chairman of the Board of Trustees 

Dr. John B. King, Chancellor 

Thomas Higgins ’81, Chair, SUNY Maritime College Council 

Rear Admiral John Okon ’91, President, SUNY Maritime College