The public is invited to join Northwestern Michigan College's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at a special event Saturday, December 7 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes campus.

The event will honor Maritime cadets, industry partnerships, and the success of alumni. A division of NMC, Great Lakes Maritime Academy is one of only six state maritime academies in the United States and the only one located on fresh water. The Academy graduates 50 cadets annually, and the employment rate is virtually 100 percent within 90 days of graduation.

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, U.S.N., Ret., will serve as the keynote speaker. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in June 1979, is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College, and holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College in strategic studies and Salve Regina University in international relations.

The evening includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person and are available online here or by calling 231-995-1021.