Former Students Continue the Tradition of Service    

We sat down with some of our former students who are giving back to the Galveston Campus by serving as a board member for the Sea Aggie Former Student Network. These individuals are often responsible for coordinating, organizing and galvanizing the entire network of Sea Aggies in support of campus scholarships, fundraisers and much more. Learn more about their background and roles below. 

Former Students

Julie Zamarripa ‘01, Maritime Administration

Phillips 66 / Midcon Scheduler

SAFSN Treasurer: 2022-2023

Tell us a bit about yourself: Julie is a member of the Fightin’ Aggie class of 2001 with a degree in Maritime Business Administration. Julie has worked in the maritime industry for 21 years, focused on chartering and global maritime business development. Julie’s proudest accomplishment is being the mother to wonderful boys and wife to Joel Zamarripa ’99!

Why did you choose to attend the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
I initially chose to attend Texas A&M-Galveston because it was close to home during a time I needed to be close, and had planned to transfer to Texas A&M University the following year. Upon touring the campus during orientation and speaking to the Maritime Administration department, I quickly found my home by the sea!

What was your experience like during your time at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
I made connections that have spanned my 21 years post-graduation. I am still close with my dear mentor and friend Tammy Lobaugh '85, and have lasting friendships with many of my classmates. I very much enjoyed study breaks on Shell Beach, the camaraderie, and lasting Aggie traditions.

How did your education and experiences at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy prepare you for success?
My academic experience gave me the foundation needed to start my career, while my experiences on the Clipper II, as a student worker scheduling the small boat basin, and as a member of the Student Propeller Club opened the doors needed to excel in my career goals. The Aggie Ring has also been a huge asset!

Share with us one or two of your most memorable experiences while enrolled at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy.
My most memorable experience was the summer cruise of 1999 on USTS Clipper II where I served as the Senior Assistant Purser supporting Capt. Haupt, officers and cadets as we berthed in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Ireland, France, and Port Arthur, TX.

How would you describe your current relationship with campus?
I love the Aggie culture and traditions! I currently serve on the board of the Sea Aggie Former Student Network, and my husband and I are donors through our endowed scholarship directly benefitting TAMUG.

Jason Tieman ‘97, Marine Transportation

Texas A&M Foundation

SAFSN Student Networking and Outreach Officer: 2022-2023

SAFSN Founding Member: 2015

Tell us a bit about yourself: Passionate about the marine environment and maritime industry. Sailed on various vessels and operated harbor tugs along the Texas Gulf Coast. Commissioned in the United States Coast Guard in 2000, serving 15 years active/reserve. 11 years working in maritime technology and now with A&M Foundation.

Why did you choose to attend the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
I grew up in Baytown, near Cedar Bayou. Spent most of my free time on the water shrimping, fishing, and sailing. The idea of getting paid to sail around the world, making good money, and being off half the year sounded great!

What was your experience like during your time at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
College life was hard at first. It was an amazing experience sailing on the old TEXAS CLIPPER. My first cruise was to the Canary Islands, Ireland, Poland, Newfoundland, and Baltimore. I loved the hands-on type of program.

How did your education and experiences at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy prepare you for success?
The most valuable part of Texas A&M is the relationships you build that last forever. Former Students are always quick to help and love hiring new Sea Aggies.

Share with us one or two of your most memorable experiences while enrolled at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy.
Summer Cruises and our cadet sailing vessel.

How would you describe your current relationship with campus?
Better than ever!

Devin Paul ‘17, Maritime Administration

Financial Advisor

SAFSN Communications Officer: 2020-2023

SAFSN Membership Development Officer: 2017-2020

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a financial advisor by profession, and love to give back and volunteer. In addition to serving on the Board for The Sea Aggie Former Student Network, I volunteer at the Houston Rodeo as an Assistant Captain in the Wine Garden. One of my newfound hobbies is playing Disc Golf.
 
Why did you choose to attend the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
Initially, I came to Texas A&M-Galveston with hopes to go to College Station, but that quickly changed after one semester on Pelican Island and Galveston as a whole. I enjoyed learning about an industry that was new to me and everything that the Galveston Campus had to offer.
 
What was your experience like during your time at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
Best college experience I could have hoped for. Tremendous amounts of opportunities to get involved with organizations, which led to fantastic opportunities for a professional career.
 
How did your education and experiences at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy prepare you for success?
The power of networking and not burning bridges, being a small campus, reputation mattered, everyone knows everyone. Mentors, teachers, and students all taught me to be a better person and to respect everyone no matter what our differences were.
 
Share with us one or two of your most memorable experiences while enrolled at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy.
Sophomore year, a few friends and I got together and created an organization that we called Beaches Cleaned For Good (BCFG). We adopted a beach and participated with the Texas GLO to keep Galveston beaches cleaned in semiannual beach cleanups.
 
How would you describe your current relationship with campus?
I still have a rather close relationship with campus, as I come down every so often for the Sea Aggie Former Student Network, as well as professionally talking about the importance of financial planning upon graduation to graduating seniors.

Deana Atteberry ‘11, Marine Biology

Self-Employed

SAFSN Membership Director: 2020-2023

SAFSN Secretary: 2018-2020

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a third-generation Aggie. I am a mom to Delylah and Joltyn and wife to James Atteberry '12. I am always busy, but I love it. I run two businesses. James and I started a pet-sitting business in 2015. I am also a Team Leader with Mary Kay. Both of these allow me to follow my passion.

Why did you choose to attend the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
I chose the Galveston Campus because I wanted to be a Marine Biologist and help find ways to protect the earth for future generations. I knew Texas A&M was a world-renowned school, and growing up in an Aggie home, it really wasn't a difficult choice. After attending Sea Camp in middle school, I knew this is where I belonged.

What was your experience like during your time at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy?
I was extremely involved on campus, in many student organizations and as a student worker. I enjoyed having professors in the field that I could be mentored by and have them guide me in my path through my college career. I did enjoy the small size of the campus.

How did your education and experiences at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy prepare you for success?
In my time at Texas A&M-Galveston I was able to have internships and become a leader in organizations. The skills I learned in these roles have helped guide me past college to continue to learn and grow as a business leader.

Share with us one or two of your most memorable experiences while enrolled at the Galveston Campus/Maritime Academy.
I was a sophomore when Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. This experience let me realize I was stronger and more adaptable to change than I believed I was. I lived in a study room in Dunn Hall in College Station. I also went to New Zealand my senior year with Dr. Wursig. This was a life-changing trip.

How would you describe your current relationship with campus?
I would say it is very involved. I want others to love Aggieland as much as I do. I also want the system to recognize the value Texas A&M-Galveston brings to them.