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Spyros M. Polemis, Class of '61, Leader in the Modern Shipping Industry, Elected to the Stevens Institute of Technology Board of Trustees

Posted on: Monday, 6 July 2009, 14:08 CDT

HOBOKEN, N.J., July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Spyros M. Polemis, a widely respected international business leader who has spent more than 45 years as a prominent figure in the global shipping industry, has been elected to serve on the Stevens Institute of Technology Board of Trustees. Mr. Polemis was named to the board during its spring meeting, May 20-21, 2009. Polemis is a Class of 1961 graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology.

Polemis' family has roots in shipping that date back several centuries. He is chairman and managing director of Seacrest Shipping Co. Ltd., the London representative of a large group of shipping interests with a history of more than 200 years in the business. His company helps to operate the ships of the world, from "tween-deckers" to tankers, and has managed building and repair projects in shipyards around the globe.

"We are very pleased that an alumnus of such prominence will be working with us to advance the ascent of Stevens Institute of Technology among the world's leading technological universities," said Stevens President Harold J. Raveche. "As a historical leader in maritime architecture, design and security, Stevens will benefit greatly from the outstanding expertise of Mr. Polemis, who stands as an illustrious figure in global maritime commerce, shipping, and yacht-building, as well as in the world of competitive sailing, in the grand tradition of the Stevens family who founded our institution."

"Spyros Polemis is a world-renowned figure in one of the most important industries affecting global commerce," said Provost & University Vice President George P. Korfiatis. "Under his wise guidance and stewardship, major segments of the maritime industry have experienced steady growth, as well as world-wide integration of technology and logistical planning."

Polemis also serves as chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the international trade association for merchant ship owners, concerned with all regulatory, operational and legal issues. He is also president of its sister organization, the International Shipping Federation, the international employer's organization for the industry that deals with labor affairs and training issues. These organizations -- the leading shipping organizations in the world -- represent the collective interests of ship-owner associations from 40 countries, including the United States, most of Europe, Japan and Australia. ICS membership consists of national ship-owners' associations representing more than 70% of the world's merchant fleet.

As head of the ICS, Polemis works with shipping associations and governmental agencies, most notably the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency with responsibility for the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. Another associated government agency is the U.S. Coast Guard.

Polemis has been very active with many other shipping industry-related organizations over the years, serving in leadership capacities, as Chairman of INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners), Newcastle P&I and North of England P&I (both leading mutual insurance groups in the UK) and at the INTERTANKO Board (The International Association of Independent Tank Owners). He serves as Vice Chairman of the Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee. He is also a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in the U.S.

Born in Greece, and educated in Athens, London and the United States, Polemis is also Archon of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.

As a Stevens student, Polemis served as president of Pi Lambda Phi and belonged to the Interfraternity Council and the Yacht Club. After college, he did his National Service with the Greek Coast Guard as an Officer/Ships' Inspector. Thereafter, he worked for the family business until 1970, when he formed his own company.

Polemis established a Stevens family legacy, as his son Leonidas S. '90, and nephew, Peter L.G. Louloudis '85, are Stevens graduates, as was his late son, Michael S. Polemis '84, M.Eng. '85. He has two daughters, Anna and Katerina. He and his wife, Anastasia, live in London.

For his many distinguished endeavors and world-wide achievements, the Stevens Alumni Association presented to Mr. Polemis the Stevens Honor Award in 2007.

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis(R), involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value. Stevens offers baccalaureates, master's and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens' graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.

For the latest news about Stevens, please visit www.StevensNewsService.com.

SOURCE Stevens Institute of Technology

Source: PR Newswire

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