Angela Chao Receives an Honorary Doctorate from Webb Institute

Foremost Group Chair and CEO Angela Chao received an Honorary Doctor of Sciences from Webb Institute during its 123rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The graduates of the Class of 2019 will all receive dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Ms. Chao was also the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony.

Angela Chao Motivates the Graduating Class

Ms. Chao inspired the graduating class with the story of her parents’ success through optimism, determination, and perseverance. She emphasized how much her parents believed in the power of education to transform lives as she encouraged the graduates to “make our industry and our world better.”

Andrew Pidduck, the Class of 2019 student speaker, spoke about the quality of education and experiences that he and the student body received as well as the friendships made at Webb. He promised that he and his fellow graduates would be good representatives of the school and that they would never forget the opportunity they received. He added: “We appreciate the gift of education and the entire Webb experience that we have received.”

Recognition for Outstanding Accomplishments

In addition to receiving their degrees, select students also received special recognition for outstanding achievements in several academic areas. These included mathematics, thesis, highest grade average, and commitment to service through volunteering, civic outreach, and work in the community.

The members of the graduating class already have plans for the future in place. Some will pursue graduate studies at MIT, Delft University of Technology, or the University of Michigan. Others have already found employment in the marine industry. Employers consistently ready to receive Webb graduates include Newport News Shipbuilding, Shipwright, BMT Designers and Planners, Vigor, Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, and NSWC Carderock.

Webb Institute Has a Long History of Academic Excellence

Webb Institute is a private engineering college located in Glen Cove, New York. Founded in 1889 by shipbuilder and philanthropist William H. Webb, the college offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue a double major in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. The Webb Institute’s vision is to be internationally recognized as a leading undergraduate educational institution in naval architecture and marine engineering and to be an asset to the nation.

William Webb personally covered all the operating expenses of the school until his death in 1899. Along with support from foundations, corporations, alumni, and private individuals, Webb’s assets provided for the establishment of an endowment that has enabled the institute to be the only one of its kind in the country to offer full-tuition scholarships.