SVC’s Marine Technology program receives tugboat from former Whidbey Island campus dean

Skagit Valley College's Marine Technology program received “The Lady M”, a 25' Ranger Tug powerboat as a donation to enhance the program. 

Dr. Brinton Sprague, former dean of SVC’s Whidbey Island campus and longstanding supporter of SVC's Marine Technology program, donated the vessel that has an estimated value of $62,500. 

Sprague's valuable contribution will provide SVC students with hands-on training opportunities as they refurbish the vessel over the next few months. 

"Students will refurbish the boat, and once completed, it will be auctioned to the public, generating essential funds for program improvements,” said Mike Beemer, Marine Technology department chair. “After we install a new engine, the boat could sell for up to $100,000, which would all go back to our program.” 

The Marine Technology program enables students to progress to SVC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Management. This degree is tailored for students with a professional-technical associate degree, offering a pathway for those, like Marine Technology graduates, interested in management roles. 

Sprague, reflecting on the donation, remarked, "I have always had a soft spot for the Marine Tech program, and I am confident they will maximize the impact of this contribution." 

For more information on Sprague's donation and its impact on SVC's Marine Technology program, contact Beemer at mike.beemer@skagit.edu. To watch the story of “Lady M,” visit the YouTube video here.