Crowley awards scholarships to two Great Lakes Maritime Academy students

(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) ­— Crowley Maritime Corp.’s Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships are helping to further educational opportunities for two students of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA). Crowley recently awarded scholarships to Matthew C. DuBon from South Carolina and Clayton Riley Harbin from California, based on their excellent grades, leadership ability and financial need.

DuBon, a sophomore, is seeking a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) third mate unlimited license. This summer, he plans to work for a small towing company on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Clayton, N.Y., where he spent 30 seasons boating recreationally. DuBon became intrigued by the challenge of marine towing when he and his father towed a 22-foot Sea Ray with a 13-foot Boston Whaler when he was only 8.

Harbin, an incoming freshman, is also seeking a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and a USCG third mate unlimited license. Upon graduation, he wants to pursue a towing career. Harbin’s fascination with the towing industry was sparked early in life as he grew up near the Pacific Ocean, often performing routine maintenance and helping replace components on his family’s boat. While there, he frequently watched tugs move large barges near the Port of Long Beach.

Since 1984, Crowley has provided more than $3 million in scholarship funding for more than 1,000 students. The company has also donated more than $2 million over the years to support other educational programs. In 1994, Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. established the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship Program in honor of his father, who led the company to extraordinary heights before passing away in 1994. The company continues to give scholarship dollars to deserving students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In 2006, the program was expanded to Central America, and to date has provided financial assistance to more than 20 students in that region. To learn more about the Crowley scholarship program, visit www.crowley.com/scholarships.

By Professional Mariner Staff