FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Commemorates 50 Years of Ocean Science for a Better World®

FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute commemorated 50 Years of Ocean Science for a Better World ^® and the finale of the 2022 50^th Anniversary Ocean Science Lecture Series season with a panel discussion and special reception on April 20, 2022.  Renowned faculty members, John Reed, M.Sc., Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., and Executive Director, Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., regaled invitees with intimate stories about their ground-breaking research and the rich history of the world-renowned Oceanographic Institute.

Local veteran journalist, Anthony Westbury, moderated the discussion with remarks from FAU President John Kelly. During the evening, guests traveled back in time to the Institute’s inception, 1971, when founder J. Seward Johnson Sr. of the Johnson & Johnson family, in collaboration with famed inventor Edwin A. Link, had a vision to create an institute to preserve the environment through a scientific understanding of the ocean. Fifty years later, the Institute is a trusted leader and expert resource for marine science research, conservation and education.

The more than 150 guests in attendance included representatives from Ocean Crusader Sponsor, L3Harris, as well as the Link Foundation and other notable community members. The panel discussion was followed by a celebratory reception where guests mingled with the Institute’s faculty and students. 

 

Brian LaJoie, Area Manager, L3Harris (Ocean Crusader Sponsor)

Panel discussion featuring (from left to right) moderator Anthony Westbury; and from FAU Harbor Branch: John Reed, M.Sc., research professor, Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., research professor, Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., research professor, Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., research professor and director of education, and Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director.

Guests (From left to right) Dave Fuss, director of land stewardship, Indian River Land Trust; Katherine Dickenson, FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society member; Ken Grudens, executive director, Indian River Land Trust; David Dickenson, FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society member, enjoying the reception portion of the event.

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Harbor Branch and Barbra Kavanaugh, interim executive director, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, enjoying the reception portion of the event.

Guests (from left to right) Brian Carney, president & CEO, TDI, SDI International Training; Stephanie Miele, COO, TDI, SDI International Training; and Ken Pruitt, former Florida Senate President, enjoying the reception portion of the event.

Guests Lili O’Dare, ONE Sotheby’s International and Shannon Gordon, FAU Harbor Branch Benefactors Society member, enjoying the reception portion of the event.

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Harbor Branch and Florida Atlantic University President John Kelly, Ph.D. standing in front of the Johnson-Sea-Link I submersible.

 

For 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been at the forefront of ocean science, pursuing discoveries to benefit society and profoundly shape our future. The research conducted at FAU Harbor Branch depends on strong partnerships with our supporters. From marine ecosystem conservation to global food security to cancer research, we can only make a difference together. For more information on becoming a part of the FAU Harbor Branch family, please visit https://www.fau.edu/hboi/support/.