Contact: Jarrod Gerhardt | Director of Communications and Marketing | Cal Poly Maritime Academy

jgerha01@calpoly.edu; 619-302-4416

VALLEJO, California — Cal Poly Maritime Academy will award an honorary doctorate to Capt. Kate McCue during its 2026 commencement ceremony May 2 in Vallejo.

McCue is an internationally recognized maritime leader whose career spans nearly three decades at sea. In 2015, she became the first American woman to command a megaton cruise ship at Celebrity Cruises, a milestone that expanded opportunity and visibility for women in the maritime industry. Today, she serves as the inaugural captain of Four Seasons I, helping launch a new era in luxury yachting.

A proud alumna and member of the Class of 2000, McCue’s journey from cadet to captain reflects the enduring impact of a Cal Poly Maritime Academy education and the institution’s Learn by Doing philosophy.

“Capt. McCue’s career is a powerful example of what it means to Learn by Doing,” said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong. “From her time as a Cal Maritime cadet to her leadership on the global stage, she represents the excellence, determination and real-world readiness that defines Cal Poly Maritime Academy and its graduates.”

Throughout her career, McCue has led crews across the globe, navigated complex maritime environments and built a reputation for leadership, professionalism and innovation.

“My college education played a defining role in shaping my career and my confidence at sea,” McCue said. “The hands-on experience I gained as a cadet taught me how to lead, make decisions under pressure and trust my training. I’m honored to return and celebrate the next generation of maritime leaders who are learning by doing every day.”

Honorary degrees are among the highest distinctions conferred by the university and recognize individuals whose accomplishments and contributions reflect the values and mission of Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

The 2026 commencement ceremony also marks a historic milestone as the final commencement awarding Cal Maritime degrees following integration with Cal Poly (future graduates will receive Cal Poly degrees). The event celebrates the achievements of graduating cadets while honoring the legacy and future of maritime education on the West Coast.

About Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Located on the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California, Cal Poly Maritime Academy is part of Cal Poly and is the West Coast’s only degree-granting maritime academy. It prepares students for leadership roles in maritime, engineering, logistics, business, global supply chains and national security. Through Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy, students gain real-world experience in classrooms, laboratories and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear. Learn more at maritime.calpoly.edu.

About Cal Poly

Founded in 1901 and part of the renowned California State University system since 1960, Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year about 23,000 top-tier students come to Cal Poly to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in areas such as engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on approach, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates Ready Day One to impact their communities, California and the world. Visit www.calpoly.edu.