University of Wisconsin-Superior professor emeritus Richard Stewart received the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement during the Duluth-Superior Maritime Club’s annual celebration of National Maritime Day on Monday, May 22, at The Garden in Duluth’s Canal Park. The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement is awarded to those leaders in the maritime industry who have dedicated years of service or achievement and/or given an extraordinary valuable contribution or work to the maritime industry. Stewart retired in 2022 after more than 20 years at UW-Superior.

The award was presented by Captain Jeff Flumignan from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Flumignan also read the 2023 National Maritime Day presidential proclamation.

“Working alongside Richard Stewart in UW-Superior’s Transportation and Logistics Research Center, I daily witnessed his dedication to producing world-class, applied transportation research and to advancing the education of the next generation of transportation professionals,” said Daniel Rust, associate professor of transportation and logistics management at UW-Superior. “Tirelessly demonstrating excellence in maritime research and education over many decades, Richard Stewart is highly deserving of the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement.”

Stewart has extensive teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate courses in the U.S. and overseas. He has been the principal investigator for over $10 million in multi-university transportation research projects. Stewart’s projects are funded by federal agencies, state agencies and private companies. He has extensive publications and presentations. Stewart serves and leads in professional societies, advisory boards, nonprofit boards of directors and companies. He sailed merchant ships serving through the ranks to command multiple ocean-going vessels. Stewart’s industry experience ashore includes fleet manager, small business owner, cargo surveyor, real estate agent, port captain. He is certified in Transportation and Logistics. Stewart served 30 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve, earning the rank of Captain.

“Dr. Stewart’s passion and expertise have played a vital role in the initiation, growth, and success of the transportation and logistics management and supply chain management programs, as well as the Transportation and Logistics Research Center at UW-Superior,” said Mei Cao, professor and director for the School of Business and Economics and director of the Transportation and Logistics Research Center. “His unwavering commitment and hard work in the maritime and transportation industry have made a significant impact. The recognition of his exceptional achievements through the esteemed Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement is a testament to Dr. Stewart’s dedication and invaluable contributions. It is truly wonderful to see his extraordinary achievements being honored with such a prestigious award in such a meaningful way, particularly on the National Maritime Day.”

The celebration also included a seafarers remembrance service and a keynote presentation from Adam Tindall-Schlicht, the presidentially appointed Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation administrator.