(VALLEJO, Calif. – September 18, 2012) – CSU, California Maritime Academy Cadet Stevan Edgecombe has been named a recipient of the 2012-2013 William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Edgecombe is one of 23 inspirational student scholars being honored in a ceremony held today by the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees.

The Hearst/CSU Trustees' award is among the highest forms of recognition for student achievement in the CSU. The award is given annually to one student from each CSU campus. In addition to demonstrating financial need, awardees must also have experienced personal hardship and posses other attributes of merit, including superior academic performance, exemplary community service, and significant personal achievements.

An emigrant from the Bahamas, Edgecombe came to California with the dream of building a better future for himself and his family. While working his way through the U.S. immigration process, he experienced layoffs and homelessness. Through it all, he kept his focus, trying to set a good example for his children.

"Like most parents, my wife and I want our children to make a positive contribution to society and to have the options that a good education can give them," said Edgecombe. "I know that my focus on getting my education is a good example for them and increases their likelihood of attending college."

Today, Edgecombe is entering his second year at Cal Maritime, where he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in global studies and maritime affairs and maintains a 3.6 GPA. He has been an active member of the campus community, representing the university at maritime-related conferences and participating on the campus Unity Council, which helps to promote diversity among the campus community. He also currently serves as co-coordinator of Cal Maritime's Community Service Learning program.

When he graduates, Edgecombe plans to pursue a career as a marine surveyor, focusing on maritime loss prevention, risk management and incident investigation. He also wants to help educate African American youth about the variety of career opportunities available in the maritime industry.

"I want to actively encourage young people of color to seriously consider the maritime sphere as a career option," said Edgecombe. "Because the ocean is perhaps not a part of their everyday experience, I believe some young African Americans are unaware of the vast array of careers available both at sea and ashore."

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation originally established the endowed scholarship fund in 1984. In 1999, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors. From this endowment, the trustees award $3,000 to students who exemplify the scholarship criteria. Click here to learn more about the 2012/2013 award winners.

ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, The California Maritime Academy, a campus of The California State University, is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Cal Maritime was recently ranked by Forbes magazine as being among the Top 25 "Best Value Colleges" in the nation, providing students with the highest quality education for their academic dollar. Located in Vallejo, Calif., the campus serves approximately 900 students and offers undergraduate degrees preparing students for careers in engineering, transportation, international relations, business, and global logistics. It also offers a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number of extended learning programs and courses.