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By Joy Vann 

���Ϲ�'s industry-leading work to grow the workforce pipeline in the maritime industry was recently recognized by the Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk. Two Monarchs who are making a mark received the club’s Wavemaker Award. 

Elspeth McMahon, Ph.D., associate vice president for maritime initiatives, and Amanda Ahlemeyer Robinson (B.S. B.A. ’90), the first female operations manager at McAllister Towing, received the awards at the “Navigating Greatness, Celebrating Women in Maritime” event on November 6 at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.  

The event was hosted by The Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, in partnership with the Virginia Maritime Association and the Women's International Shipping and Trade Association, to recognize the contributions of women in the maritime industry. 

Cindy Gibson, senior vice president of administration for Carroll Trucking, said the event came about after the Propeller Club held its first women's networking event last year. It was such a success that it prompted the board to hold another event to “to shine a beacon on ladies who have and are still paving the way for others in their journey in this predominantly male-led arena.”  

Gibson said Dr. McMahon received the award in recognition of her advocacy for the industry and for preparing the next generation to step into the important roles that will need to be filled in the global workforce.  

 “We chose to recognize Elspeth because her leadership, vision and commitment to advancing maritime education and workforce development have made a profound impact on our industry,” she said. “She helped to forge a stronger partnership with the ���Ϲ� Student Propeller Club and The Propeller Club of Norfolk which benefits both students and professionals.”    

After accepting the award, Dr. McMahon said, “Maritime is not just an industry; it’s the backbone of global commerce and national security. ���Ϲ� is preparing the leaders and innovators who will shape what comes next, equipping them to guide the next era of global trade.” 

Dr. McMahon is a licensed merchant mariner, Commander in the Navy Reserves, and former State University of New York Maritime College faculty member. At ���Ϲ�, she spearheads maritime-related industry partnerships, program development, outreach and research, advancing the University’s status as a high-impact R1 institution, including areas such as maritime logistics, autonomous systems, port operations, and shipbuilding and repair. 

“Amanda Ahlemeyer Robinson, McAllister Towing's first female Operations Manager, is a respected leader and mentor,” said Gibson.” She is a prime example of what it means to rise through the ranks while lifting others along the way. She is known not only for her professionalism and deep industry knowledge but also for her heart—her willingness to share her experience, support young professionals, and ensure that every voice has a place at the table." 

“Attending ���Ϲ� helped me stay closely connected to the Norfolk area, grounding me in the region that would shape my career. Old Dominion partners closely with multiple maritime clubs and associations, which makes my alumni status very meaningful. Because of this connection, I have been able to stay actively involved in both the maritime and the University’s community and be continually inspired,” Ahlemeyer Robinson said  “It was an honor to receive the Wavemaker Award, and I look forward to seeing many more ���Ϲ� graduates emerge as key members of the Port of Virginia’s successful operation.” 

To close out the evening, Dr. McMahon introduced two ���Ϲ� students who had benefited from their relationship with Norfolk’s Propeller Club.  

Senior Finley Stoops, vice president of Old Dominion’s Student Propeller Club who is studying maritime and supply chain management, expressed her appreciation for how the Norfolk Propeller Club had supported so many student activities.  

“During my time in the Student Propeller Club, I have been sponsored to attend exclusive maritime events, including the biannual oyster roast, touring the Dominion Energy offshore wind project and attending the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium and Maritime Banquet,” she said “All of these opportunities have allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the industry and form long-lasting connections with professionals that will help me join the industry in just a few short months.”  

Senior Shivani Patel, social media and public relations officer for the Student Propeller Club, joined three years ago when it was just getting started again after the pandemic. 

“Just last month, we attended the International Propeller Club conference in Lyon, France with three of my fellow colleagues,” Shivani said. “This experience would not have been possible without the support and dedication of The Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk for sponsoring and funding our travel, accommodations and conference tickets.  

“As we prepare to graduate, we feel a lot more confident knowing all the experiences we've gained here, and we also know how much overwhelming support we have from the maritime community integrating our students into the workforce.” 

Located near the Port of Virgina and Naval Station Norfolk, ���Ϲ� offers programs from certificates to graduate degrees, promoting workforce development and the region’s longstanding connection to the blue economy.