(Vallejo, California – December 19, 2017) – California State University Maritime
Academy and President Thomas Cropper were among the organizations and individuals
recognized at the 22nd Spirit of Solano awards earlier this month. The awards are
given by Solano County's Chambers of Commerce, honoring businesses and organizations
which "embody the true spirit of Solano County."
The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce selected Cal Maritime and President Cropper in recognition
of the Academy's dedication to community service and Cropper's visibility and involvement
in area organizations.
"President Cropper has been instrumental in bringing community leaders together,"
said Marisela Barbosa, Vallejo Chamber of Commerce board chair and owner of Green
Hive Spaces. "He organizes monthly breakfast meetings to engage community leaders
in an open forum to discuss current issues and concerns."
Cropper is also directly involved with many area organizations, including the Vallejo
Education and Business Alliance, which he currently chairs. He is also on the boards
of Leadership Vallejo, the Navy League, and the San Francisco Marine Exchange.
Cal Maritime cadets have been setting new records for year-over-year increases in
community service hours – a key component of leadership training at the Academy. This
year, they logged more than 9,000 hours working with local schools and community organizations.
President Cropper and Cal Maritime have been strong proponents for promoting and
advancing Vallejo as a "College Town." Cropper has led the University during a period
of change and growth. The campus is in year two of a 15-year comprehensive strategic
plan covering athletics, student life, academics, technology, fundraising, strategic
enrollment, human capital, and a bold campus physical master plan.
Other honorees at the Spirit of Solano awards program included:
• Amy Lawson and Pam Englund of Genentech were honored by the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce.
• Tamer Totah, owner and operator of Rockville Corners, was recognized by the Solano
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Lionel Bohanon, owner/broker of L.B. Unique Properties Inc., was selected for recognition
by the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce.
• Wes and Cindy Stewart, owners of NAPA Auto Parts-Stewart Industrial Supply, were acknowledged
by the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce.
• Noel Gallejo, owner of Allstate Insurance Agency in Vallejo, was recognized by the
Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Solano County.
• Steve Lessler of the Lessler Group, was selected as the Suisun honoree by the Fairfield-Suisun
Chamber of Commerce.
• Kelly and Sherry McLean and Ray Erk from Servpro of Fairfield were selected by the
Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce as the Fairfield recipients.
• Derek Wensky and Dawn Jamison accepted the award for Walmart Supercenter as the Dixon
Chamber of Commerce awardee.
• Steve McClure of State Farm Insurance was selected as the Benicia Chamber of Commerce
awardee.
The Spirit of Solano Awards Luncheon was sponsored by WestAmerica Bank and the Solano
Economic Development Corporation.
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ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting
maritime academy on the West Coast. Located in Vallejo, California, the campus offers
undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in engineering, transportation,
international relations, business, and global logistics. Cal Maritime also offers
a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number
of extended learning programs and courses.