Recently, Charlie Bours from the Island Trees Class of 2011, graduated from SUNY Maritime, earning a bachelor of engineering degree as a mechanical engineering major. While at SUNY Maritime, Bours went out on three summer sea voyages aboard the Empire State VI, a 565 ft. vessel. The experience and knowledge he received is something that cannot be gained in any classroom. He journeyed to many countries over the three years, including Ireland, Greece, United Kingdom, Canada, Gibraltar, Spain, Portugal, and Denmark. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, he performed many ship duties and studied for his summer classes obtaining credits towards his degree.
In addition, Bours received his U.S. Coast Guard license at SUNY Maritime, which allows him to take an occupation as a merchant mariner. He has decided to stay stateside and has accepted a job at Turner Construction as an assistant engineer, which he begins in June. Interestingly enough, his brother Christian, is attending SUNY Maritime studying to be a mechanical engineer like his older brother. Christian enters his junior year this September and with a SUNY Maritime degree, his future is bright.
Congratulations, Charlie.
