Fri,
08/07/2020 – 14:13pm | By: Van Arnold
The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering honored
its 2020 Hydrographic Science graduates in a virtual ceremony held this week via Facebook
live.
The school awarded 12 degrees — one Bachelor’s of Science and 11 Masters’ of Science.
USM is one of two universities in the US offering this graduate program and is the
only university that offers a BS in Marine Science with emphasis in Hydrography. In
addition, both programs are certified, Category A and B respectively, by the International
Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers.
“When I became coordinator of this program last fall, I had no idea how much this
year would mean to me. These students truly hold a special place in my heart, and
I feel completely blessed to have taught them, mentored them and watched them grow,”
Hydrographic Science Program Coordinator Sheila Malley said. “This has been a particularly
challenging year, but I want to acknowledge the perseverance and hard work of this
graduating class despite every obstacle they have faced and overcome to get to this
moment.”
The University of Southern Mississippi Master’s of Science degree in hydrographic
science was approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions
of Higher Learning in 1999. The program was designed in cooperation with the U.S.
Navy to meet the demanding Category A requirements by the Féderation Internationale
des Géométres, International Hydrographic Organization and International Cartographic
Association (FIG/IHO/ICA) International Board of Standards and Competence for Hydrographic
Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers.
USM was the first educational institution in the United States to receive this certification.
In 2018, the International Board awarded USM the Category B Recognition for the B.S.
Marine Science (Hydrography) program — the only university Category B program in the
country.
“Seventy percent of the earth is covered by water; 90 percent of the global trade
occurs on the water, and 26 percent of our economy is tied to that trade,” Rear Admiral
John Okon, keynote speaker, said. “Hydrography is in every aspect of that, and if
we are going to have a prosperous, safe country with safe partners, hydrography is
going to have to lead the way.”
The graduates receiving Category A certification (M.S.) are: Adrian Montufar Arroyo,
Ryan Harner, James Hawsey, Rami Lamouchi, Samantha McGowan, Nicole Dawn Mountain,
Reed Nelle, Rachel Gisewhite Svatek, Jeremiah Thomas, Senam Tsei and Grant Webb
The Category B Certificate (B.S.) graduate is: Evan Rohde
Additionally, James Hawsey was awarded the Hydrographer of the Navy award, which is
designated for outstanding academic and practical performance in the joint international
hydrographic applied science program. Graduate Ryan Harner was presented the Survey
Award by the program faculty. This award was presented based on performance and expertise
throughout the school year, particularly for the summer survey program.
“I am extremely proud of this program because hydrography is such a unique and valuable
field,” said Dr. Karen Coats, Dean of the USM Graduate School. “It’s a signature program
for Southern Miss and one that exemplifies our commitment to research and learning
that makes a positive impact across the globe.”
