California State University Maritime Academy
Carl Nolte represents the best traditions of the maritime community and the vital profession of journalism; a complementary pairing of real-world maritime experience and a history of dedicated, skillful and ethical use of intellect in his work as a journalist. His dedication to the maritime industry, and the people therein, is unmatched.
Mr. Nolte is a fourth-generation San Franciscan, born and raised in the City. As a child, he lived in the working class Potrero Hill neighborhood among sailors, longshoremen, shipfitters and marine officers. He was educated at the University of San Francisco, served in the Third Infantry Division of the United States Army Reserve and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Mr. Nolte started working at the San Francisco Chronicle on June 13, 1961. He has served as a writer and an editor, and spent time as a war correspondent, writing about the Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq and the SS Jeremiah O'Brien when it sailed to Europe as part of the 50th anniversary of D-Day. He is currently a general assignment reporter and writer of "Native Son," a weekly column on the places and personalities of San Francisco.
Mr. Nolte is known and respected throughout the West Coast maritime world, from tugboat deckhands to the most senior officers. He is well-known on the San Francisco docks and at Oakland's cargo terminals and has been a trusted friend and unofficial advisor to generations of mayors, supervisors, union presidents and thousands of rank-and-file employees. Mr. Nolte has been honored by many local and national organizations and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He received the Award of Merit from the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society in 2012; the President's Medal, California Maritime Academy in 2011; the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association Maritime Heritage Award in 2010; the President's Medal for public service, University of San Francisco in 2000; and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in 1986, among others.
In recognition of his distinguished career, his contributions to and advocacy for the maritime industry and his support of Cal Maritime and its educational mission, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University Maritime Academy are proud to confer upon Carl Nolte the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.