The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees is continuing its investment in the future of the maritime industry with an additional $10,000 contribution to the maritime education endowment at Galveston College.
The funds are net proceeds from the port’s Maritime Day and scholarship luncheon fundraisers held on May 22.
The endowment was initially funded with net proceeds from the port’s bicentennial sponsorships in 2025. The GC endowment was established with an initial $40,000 to support students pursuing maritime-related degrees and technical certifications.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said the additional contributions reinforce the port’s ongoing commitment to building a strong maritime workforce.
“As one of the Gulf Coast’s leading deepwater ports, the Port of Galveston depends on a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to sustain and grow our maritime economy. These additional contributions demonstrate our continued commitment to helping students gain the education and training they need to build successful careers and strengthen the maritime industry for generations to come.”
The GC endowment supports students pursuing maritime-related degrees, including global logistics and supply chain management, as well as technical certifications such as welding and shipfitting.
“Galveston College is grateful to the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees for this continued investment in our students and the future of the region’s maritime workforce,” said GC President Tracee Watts, Ed.D. “These contributions will help open doors for students pursuing high-demand careers in maritime industries and skilled trades that are vital to the economic success of Galveston and the Gulf Coast.”
Galveston Harbor is a major economic engine with a $7.3 billion economic impact and nearly 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. The maritime industry supports a wide range of careers, including ship pilots, mariners, barge and tugboat crews, stevedores, ship repair workers and shipfitters, cruise staff, truck drivers, railroad workers, construction workers, logistics professionals and administrative staff.