(VALLEJO, CA – April 24, 2013) – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is an operational committee of the U.S. Department of Defense. On April 24, ESGR presented The California Maritime Academy with its Above and Beyond Award.

“The award was created to recognize employers and academies for providing extraordinary support and cooperation to those who answer their nation’s call to serve,” said Carlos Trevino, the area chair for ESGR.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Blaine Meserve-Nibley nominated Cal Maritime for the Award. Nibley works as the Coast Guard Liaison at Cal Maritime and also is a student. He was deployed to the east coast last semester in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

“Cal Maritime takes care of its services members,” said Nibley. “Hopefully, this recognition will motivate other employers in our Bay Area communities to continue their support as well.”

Trevino presented the award to Admiral Thomas Cropper, president of Cal Maritime at morning formation. President Cropper accepted the award on behalf of all of the faculty and staff who work to support cadets who also serve in the military.

Among the attendees at the presentation were current and former members of the military, as well as Dr. Ryan Dudley, Dr. Nipoli Kamdar, Robert Manheimer, Jennifer Metz, Dr. Donna Nincic and Michele Van Hoeck – Cadet Nibley’s professors during the fall semester.