CASTINE — The 2019 Commencement will be held at Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m. at the Alexander Field House. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer will be the college’s Commencement speaker. U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins will introduce Secretary Spencer.

Richard V. Spencer was sworn in as the 76th Secretary of the Navy in August of 2017. Prior to his nomination, Spencer served on the Defense Business Board and the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel.

“As an accomplished leader and supporter of maritime education, Secretary Spencer has both relevant and valuable experience to impart as our Commencement speaker,” said MMA President Brennan, in a news release. “We are honored that he will deliver the send-off to the Class of 2019.”

Commencement activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the annual awards program in Delano Auditorium in Leavitt Hall. Commencement Exercises will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Alexander Field House.

Commencement is a ticketed event to assure that families of graduates are able to have priority seating. Guest tickets for students and families have been provided directly to students. Ticket holders will be admitted into the Field House and overflow seating will be available in the Margaret Chase Smith Gymnasium, which is connected to the Field House complex. Overflow seating does not require tickets and attendees can watch the ceremony on large screens in real time.

The college will also sponsor a livestream broadcast of the ceremony, enabling family and friends to watch the event online. The livestream will begin at 11 a.m. and can be accessed at the following internet address: http://mainemaritime.edu/streaming.

Dr. William J. Brennan, MMA President, will present diplomas. Dr. David M. Gardner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will preside at the exercises. The oath of office will be administered to new U.S. Merchant Marine officers by Captain Brian J. Lefebvre, Commander, United States Coast Guard Sector Northern New England.

A formal commissioning ceremony for new officers in the Navy and Marine Corps will take place at 2 p.m. in Delano Auditorium, Leavitt Hall.

Maine Maritime Academy is a co-educational, public college on the coast of Maine offering 22 programs of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation. The college serves approximately 950 undergraduate and graduate students in career-oriented degree programs. The annual job placement rate for MMA graduates is approximately 90 percent within 90 days of graduation. The college is consistently recognized for providing a high-value education by organizations such as the Brookings Institution, U.S. News and World Report, and Money Magazine. For more information, visit mainemaritime.edu.