From the President’s Office – 10/11/2012
As mentioned in my last Corner, Ocean Leadership recently created the Admiral James D. Watkins Award in honor of the late Admiral to recognize outstanding contributions to ocean research, education and policy. Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of presenting Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) with the first Award at an event held at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO). Senator Whitehouse has long been a friend of the oceans, and we are especially pleased to be able to recognize his accomplishments in increasing the understanding and preservation of our oceans through many of his efforts, including the creation of the Senate Oceans Caucus. It was a pleasure to be able to thank the Senator in person for all of his hard work and dedication in support of sound ocean policy and the importance of science in the process. In addition to presenting the Admiral Watkins Award to the Senator, the whole day was just delightful, including lunch with several students, a presentation to the GSO community on how the fiscal situation in Washington may affect them, and capped by a delicious scallop dinner at a great Jamestown restaurant. Needless to say, having lived on Cape Cod for 35 years, I just love scallops.
Over the next few months, we will be honoring the other co-founders of the Senate Oceans Caucus with this award and will keep you posted as event details unfold. For more information on last week’s presentation at GSO, click here.
Next week, many members of Ocean Leadership will be attending the Oceans 2012 Marine Technology Society (MTS)/Oceanic Engineering Society of IEEE (IEEE/OES) Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Make sure to stop by booth number 1209 and say hello.
Have a wonderful fall weekend.
Bob
