Sea Research Foundation

Dear Friend, The thing about this BLOG is that I feel guilty when I don’t write regularly!  I have missed you and I hope you have missed hearing from me too! On Sunday morning, Senior Vice President for Research and Zoological Operations, Dr. Tracy Romano, Vice President for Facilities and Capital Projects, Keith Sorensen and I met in the room dubbed “Pre-Hearing Room” at the Marriott Hotel in Chattanooga Tennessee at 7:30 AM to get ready for our 8:00 AM AZA accreditation hearing. Keith and Tracy wrote out some things together in preparation.  I just paced the room.  Then we went before the Accreditation Committee, answered lots of questions, and went to the “Post-Hearing Room”.  I joked that it was like pre-op and post-op at the hospital!  In any case, it was quite a relief when the Chair of the Committee came to see us and reported that Mystic Aquarium has been reaccredited. This is great news, as for more than two years we were very concerned about losing accreditation because of our large indebtedness.  With the combination of a debt restructure, reduction of debt, the capital campaign that is underway, and everyone’s good work in showcasing our facilities and programs to the Accreditation Visiting Committee, we prevailed.  Accreditation is a rigorous process and we should all be proud that it affirms that Mystic Aquarium operates at the highest possible standards and is dedicated to continuous improvement.

  Senior Vice President Peter Glankoff attended the memorial service for Mystic Aquarium founding president, Bill Kelley, who passed away on February 8 at his home in Cottonwood, Arizona at age 93. A remarkable person whose interests spanned the universe – from marine biology, to geology and astronomy, Bill Kelley’s passion for invention, teaching and lifelong learning is embodied in the Sea Research Foundation mission. His far-ranging-interests are hinted at in the Aquarium’s Fluorescent Corals exhibit, inspired by and dedicated to Bill Kelley, and an exhibit featuring his invention, the OmniScope, set to open in May, date to be announced. Peter reported that a fascinating spectrum of people came out to pay tribute to Bill, from NASA scientists, to educators, students, astronomers and aquarists. Click here to read Peter’s tribute. The entire Sea Research community extends its condolences to Bill’s wonderful wife, Lois, and other family members and friends who join us in mourning the loss of this great pioneer, inventor, and educator. We have received some great press lately.  Here are two clips that appeared on New York Channel 1, a very highly watched cable station in the Big Apple.     

Crittercam

Beluga Encounter

Last Friday, USA Today ranked Mystic Aquarium’s sleepover programs as among the “top 10 in the nation.”  Here is the story. A wonderful tribute to Chairman of the Board George M. Milne, Jr. appeared in The Wall Street Journal a few weeks ago.  Here is the link to that story. We have also had great success on the grants front.  Congratulations to Dr. Tracy Romano who received an Office of Naval Research grant for continuing study of the immune systems of Beluga Whales, as well as funding to continue the student exchange program between Point Lay, Alaska and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.  Also, Dr. Eleanor Smalley received news of a major grant from the State of Louisiana to implement the JASON Project and Immersion Learning in that state.

Since January, I have been travelling quite a bit.  I don’t mind it too much and we seem to be making progress on fund raising for our various programs.   My sense is that Patti misses me, but Patrick, Danielle and Brendan seem to be somewhat indifferent!  However, our faithful dog Oscar sat in my bedroom and cried last week when he saw me get my suitcase out of the closet.  Thank you, Oscar – you truly are loyal! 

See you all soon!