Partnerships & Philanthropy

Port Of Galveston Donates 200th Anniversary Proceeds To Student Scholarships

Galveston Wharves presented a check for scholarships during the gala. From left to right: Vic Pierson, Debbie Thomas, two Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets, Rodger Rees and Michael Fossum.

The Port of Galveston marked a historic milestone with its 200th Anniversary Gala, presented by Carnival Cruise Line on October 18. The Galveston Wharves hosted the celebration of the port’s legacy and future with dinner, dancing and a tribute to maritime excellence.

The $300,000 proceeds from the gala will benefit scholarships for College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies students at Texas A&M University at Galveston to support the next generation of leaders in marine and coastal industries.

“The Port of Galveston has been ensuring the economic prosperity of this entire region for 200 years,” said Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80 (Ret.) USAFR, vice president of Texas A&M University, chief operating officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston and superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. “As the home of both the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies and the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, the Galveston campus transform lives with this gift as we educate the future workforce to support the Port of Galveston, our state and the nation.” 

Fossum continued, “Graduates from the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies drive the Blue Economy, supporting logistics and business, transport, sciences, humanities and engineering. We are incredibly thankful for Galveston Wharves’ support of our students as we prepare the workforce for the future.”

Dr. Debbie Thomas, associate provost of Texas A&M University, founding dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, executive associate vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer of Texas A&M at Galveston, also expressed her appreciation for the port’s support.

“We are so deeply grateful for Galveston Wharves’ visionary partnership and investment in higher education and Texas A&M University at Galveston,” said Thomas. “This gift is a gamechanger for our ability to attract the brightest minds with a passion for coastal, marine and maritime careers to Galveston, greatly enhancing our impact in developing the Blue Economy workforce leaders for the future of our community.”

The catered dinner for 700 guests featured entertainment presented by Callan Marine. Cadets from Texas A&M at Galveston’s Hearn Honor Guard performed a ceremonial saber arch as honorees were announced, adding a touch of tradition and pride to the celebration.

Port Director Rodger Rees remarked, “Thanks to the generous support of our bicentennial sponsors, we’re able to host these bicentennial celebrations with net proceeds funding maritime scholarships at Texas A&M Galveston.”

The Port of Galveston’s 200th Anniversary Gala not only honored the past but also invested in the future—ensuring continued growth, innovation and opportunity for the region’s maritime community.