A shared passion and concern brought together a diverse group of people from several segments of the maritime industry to celebrate the milestone achievements of three careers and to raise funds to support mariners served by SCI.
More than 770 individuals assembled on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) 38th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City to honor the maritime industry contributions of three individuals.
SCI presented Angeliki Frangou, Chairman & CEO of Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., the Silver Bell Award for her innovative leadership in international shipping and awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr. Craig E. Philip and Captain Robert “Bob” E. Johnston.
“Maritime commerce touches the lives of just about everybody on this planet,” began the Rev. David M. Rider, SCI’s President & Executive Director, at the event. “Because of it, we sit at one enormous table with the entire human family.” Rider observed how each of the evening’s honorees plays an important role at this table.
Frangou’s companies employ more than 3,000 mariners at sea. CNN and Fortune magazine have recognized her as one of the most influential businesswomen in the world. Frangou uses her sway to ensure her company prioritizes the safety of crews while working on board. She also actively encourages her team to give back to organizations like SCI. In her acceptance remarks, Frangou noted, “SCI picks up where we leave off.”
Dr. Craig E. Philip, past President & CEO of Ingram Barge Company and now Research Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University, received one of the evening’s Lifetime Achievement Awards for his service to the industry. Dr. Philip worked with SCI leaders to expand the Institute’s mission to include the inland transportation sector, establishing its Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, Ky.
Captain Robert “Bob” E. Johnston, retired President & CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), also received an Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating his 45-year career with OSG and his leadership in the American and international shipping industries. Johnston began his career as a Third Mate and worked steadily up the ladder to become OSG’s President & CEO in 2012.
The event raised more than $962,000 for the programs and services provided by SCI. SCI’s next Silver Bell Awards Dinner takes place Thursday, June 9, 2016.