Lee Dumaliang, a four-year member of Old Dominion University's sailing team, says he took a chance that opened doors to countless opportunities for both a hobby of sailing and a career in software engineering.
Dumaliang graduated May 6 with a 3.96 grade point average in modeling, simulation and visualization engineering from the Batten College of Engineering and Technology.
The Rhode Island native served as captain for Old Dominion University's varsity sailing team during his senior year and was recently named one of the recipients of the Jack Wilkins/James Howard Scholar Athlete of the Year award. The scholar athlete awards are presented to male and female seniors with the University's highest cumulative grade point averages.
"What really attracted me to the University was the support and dedication that ODU provided, not only for athletics but also academics. I've learned a lot in four years and I'm grateful," Dumaliang said.
Mitchell Brindley, head sailing coach at Old Dominion University, added that Dumaliang represents the student athlete every coach wants on their team.
"Lee is a good athlete. Where he stands above so many others, is the leadership and constructive influence he's had on the sailing team," he said. "He is a great example, on the water and off. His seemingly endless energy, dedication and a solid team-first attitude is refreshing."
This year, ODU's sailing team qualified for the LaserPerfomance Team Race National Championships and the Gill Dinghy National Championship. Dumaliang and the team will compete this month with colleges and universities across the country in Charleston, South Carolina.
"I learned how to lead and work as a team, because it's not just individual jobs when you are in the real working world; it's all about collaboration. ODU has really prepared me for that," Dumaliang said.
Dumaliang will start a job in July as a software engineer for Rite Solutions, a software company based in Rhode Island. His work will consist of developing training programs for submarines.