The Captain's Log | October Newsletter

A Message from the Executive Director

As October begins, the energy on campus is palpable. Our professional students are now fully immersed in their training, and fall programming is in full swing - from seamanship and navigation to marine tech and safety instruction.

We’re excited to welcome the newest cohorts of:

Professional Mariner Training 10-25 and Yamaha Marine Maintenance 10-25.

Over the next nine weeks, these students will gain the hands-on skills and technical knowledge needed to launch rewarding careers in the marine industry.

This month’s newsletter celebrates the people and programs that keep Chapman moving forward: from the dedication of staff like David Gardner and Devon DeFeo, to students like BM3 Sam Stitsky, now serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. We highlight our conservation partnerships and invite you to support the Beacon Barbecue, our biggest fundraiser of the year.

As always, thank you for being part of our mission. Your engagement keeps us anchored and moving full speed ahead.

Warm Regards,

Jim Allen

Executive Director

A Message From The Director of Development

Save The Date! Our Beacon BBQ Fundraiser Returns February 2026

Fall is a season of generosity - and at Chapman, every act of giving helps fuel real impact. Whether you’re supporting our scholarship fund, joining our Burgee Society, or sponsoring an event, your contribution helps shape the next generation of maritime professionals.

And speaking of events...

Chapman's signature annual BBQ fundraiser supports youth scholarships, boating safety, and workforce training.

Live Music | Delicious BBQ | Community Impact

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Admiral’s Anchor Presenting Sponsor – $10,000

Captain’s Table Sponsor – $5,000

The Leafy Greens Band Music Sponsor – $2,500

Deckhand Sponsor – $1,000

Tickets: $75 per person | $750 for reserved table of 8

To sponsor this event, click the button below or reach out to:

Renee Booth

Director of Development

📧 r.booth@chapman.org | 📞 772-210-4711

Purchase Your Tickets

Sponsor This Event

Milestone Moment: Trifecta Graduation Day

On October 3rd, we hit the trifecta!

For the first time, all three of Chapman’s flagship Professional Maritime Programs graduated on the same day - marking a major milestone in our training mission. We proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 36 students representing communities from across the country, each now equipped with the skills to fill critical roles in the marine industry.

The event brought together over 125 guests, making it our largest graduation celebration yet. Families, industry partners, alumni, dignitaries, and local supporters gathered to honor the hard work, perseverance, and transformation of these mariners-in-the-making.

These graduates completed one of the following intensive, hands-on programs:

Congratulations to our October 3^rd Valedictorians:

Bernard Agnew Jr. – Yamaha Marine Maintenance
Jeffery Sinchak – Yacht & Small Craft Surveying
Mitchell Maurer – Professional Mariner Training

Your leadership, dedication, and determination are an inspiration to your peers—and your success is well deserved.

Chapman Staff Profile: Devon DeFeo

Boat Sales and Donation Specialist

This month, we’re excited to feature Devon DeFeo, Chapman’s Boat Sales and Donation Specialist—and a dynamic member of our growing development and operations team.

A Florida native, Devon grew up in Lake Wales and moved to the Treasure Coast in May 2021. Before joining Chapman, she served as a Firefighter and EMT for the City of Bartow, Florida - bringing with her a strong sense of service and a calm, can-do approach to every challenge.

Devon now works closely with donors, boat buyers, and internal teams to manage vessel sales and process donations that support Chapman’s mission. Whether coordinating listings or prepping boats for inspection, she plays a vital role in helping turn donated vessels into scholarships and training resources for our students.

Outside of work, Devon stays busy as “Mom and Caddy” to her two daughters, Rylee (10) and Mila (6) - both rising stars on the U.S. Kids Golf circuit. When she’s not walking the fairway, she enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, and indulging her passion for a really good smash burger.

We’re lucky to have Devon’s energy, attention to detail, and sense of humor here at Chapman.

Student Spotlight: BM3 Sam Stitsky

From Chapman Graduate to Coast Guard Service

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class (BM3) Sam Stitsky, a Chapman graduate whose story reflects courage, commitment, and the power of pursuing your passion—no matter the timing.

Raised in Jupiter, Florida, Sam spent his youth on the water, fishing with friends and family. After high school, he entered the heavy-duty truck trade, but never lost sight of his connection to the sea.

“At 23, with the support of my wife Emily, I took a leap of faith and changed career paths. I didn’t know where it would lead - but I knew I wanted to work on the water.”

That leap brought him to Chapman, where he enrolled in both the Yamaha Marine Service Technician and Professional Mariner Training programs. With encouragement from Chapman staff - many of them veterans - Sam took advantage of the lateral entry pathway into the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Throughout my time at Chapman, I got to learn from amazing instructors and made friendships that I still carry today.”

Now stationed aboard the Cutter Mohawk in Key West, Sam is living out his dream as a Boatswain’s Mate.

“I’m excited for what this career will bring me and my family. I’m especially grateful to Chapman for everything the teachers and staff invested in me. This place helped launch my future.”

Partnership Spotlight:
Hobe Sound Nature Center & Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Expanding Our Commitment to Conservation

We recently had the pleasure of hosting the Hobe Sound Nature Center on campus, where they shared their vital work protecting Florida’s ecosystems - bringing along a few special animal guests, too.

That same week, Chapman staff toured the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach to learn more about their sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation programs.

Last week, Chapman proudly partnered with Loggerhead to help release more than 50 sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean. Each one was cared for by their world-class team - and took its first strokes of freedom in front of our students and staff.

These partnerships are helping Chapman expand its environmental curriculum and reinforce our commitment to protecting the waterways we call home.

All marine turtle images taken in Florida were obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to this or other turtles. Images were acquired while conducting authorized activities pursuant to FWC MTP 086.

Tech Tips from Yamaha Master Technician Shane Bowlin

Why Regular Yamaha Engine Service Is So Important

Your Yamaha outboard is built for years of dependable performance - but only with proper maintenance.

Shane’s Yamaha Service Intervals:

20 hours: Break-in service
100 hours / 1 year: Full inspection and fluid changes
300 hours / 3 years: Fuel pump & impeller housing service
500 hours / 5 years: Major overhaul, timing belt, & valve adjustment

“Following Yamaha’s 100-hour rule is the best way to protect your engine.”

Chapman’s Yamaha-certified instructors teach these service principles in our Yamaha Marine Maintenance Technician Program - and we encourage all boaters to follow them.

Has it been more than 100 hours? Don’t wait. Keep your outboard Chapman strong.

Safe Boating Tip:

Boating Safety Courses Save Lives!

Did You Know?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 70% of boating fatalities involve an operator without a certified boating safety course.

That’s why Chapman offers certified, hands-on training designed to save lives, not just earn certificates. Whether you're new to boating or a seasoned pro, our programs help you: