HARBOR BRANCH - OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

FAU and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Host Dedication Ceremony for New Marine Science Building

PRESS RELEASE | Distributed November 13, 2006 | Florida Atlantic University

FORT PIERCE, FL (November 13, 2006) - Florida Atlantic University and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution held a dedication ceremony today for a new marine science building. The Florida Atlantic University / Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Marine Science Building is the result of visionary academic, community and legislative leaders.

"It is with great anticipation and much excitement that we dedicate this new building, which will house internationally recognized ocean research programs," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. "FAU and Harbor Branch faculty and students will perform innovative research that will certainly have a great impact on the communities they serve."

The state-of-the-art facility, which received $11 million in state appropriations, includes laboratories and supporting infrastructure to be used primarily in the areas of biology and chemistry, with special emphasis on marine science. The 40,000 square foot, joint use facility will provide students with undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities, with classes offered in marine biology, marine science, marine biotechnology, natural resources and environmental education. In addition to the labs, the building houses video-conferencing equipped meeting rooms.

"The collaboration between FAU and Harbor Branch has been an integral part of creating a research and education foundation for our region," said State Senator Ken Pruitt. "This facility represents the vision of the 'Research Coast,' and I look forward to the future of their thriving partnership."

FAU and Harbor Branch have developed a unique partnership in which FAU students may obtain year-round educational opportunities in marine science with access to the world-class resources of the Harbor Branch campus.

"We are pleased that Harbor Branch and FAU have been partners in marine education and research for more than a decade," said Harbor Branch President & CEO Shirley Pomponi. "Our goal is to train the next generation of marine scientists, resource managers and biotechnologists."

For more information on the Florida Atlantic University / Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Marine Science Building, contact FAU Campus Vice President Gerri McPherson at 772-873-3336.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
FAU: Diane Gallagher | 772-873-3339 | dgallag@fau.edu or Kristine M. McGrath | 561-297-1168 | kmcgrath@fau.edu
HBOI: Jan Petri | 772-216-1459 | petri@hboi.edu

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations devoted to the study of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions. Known for its ship and submersible operations, the Institution produces internationally known research in marine science, environmental science, biomedical marine research, marine mammal research and conservation, aquaculture and ocean engineering.

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, and the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.