Report:

Conference Proceedings

Expanding Opportunities in Ocean Sciences

III. WELCOME: Dr. William R. Harvey, President, Hampton University

Dr. Robert Bonner, Dean, Pure and Applied Science at Hampton University, introduced the university president, Dr. William R. Harvey. Dr. Bonner reminded the audience that when Dr. Harvey first became president of Hampton University in 1978, he expressed, in his inaugural address, a vision for the development of a marine program at Hampton University. That vision became the current marine sciences program which now stands as one of HU's most recognized and commended programs.

Dr. Harvey welcomed those assembled to the campus. "On behalf of Hampton University, I am happy to welcome you to the Expanding Ocean Opportunities Conference. I express my thanks to NOAA's NMFS for sponsoring this conference and the Hampton University Department of Marine Sciences for helping to organize this very important event." He commended the participants who came from other colleges and universities as well as from the federal and private sectors for their interest in "promoting increased representation of minority students in the graduate programs of the major oceanographic schools. Hampton University has long been a leader in the design and implementation of programs designed to address the dearth of minority representation in the scientific professions. Our marine science program is but one such program and we consider it one of the most important."

Dr. Harvey concluded by stating "the ocean has been referred to by many as the last frontier whose mysteries and resources shall continue to be explored and unraveled most extensively in the 21st century and beyond. These initiatives shall require the preparation of professionals who can participate in these enterprises with expertise, dedication, and a sense of ethics, integrity, honesty, and discipline. It is a profession from which minority students must not be excluded. Thanks to the kind of planning, dialogue, and strategies that will arise from your deliberations during this conference, the opportunity for increased minority participation shall be greatly expanded. I applaud your commitment. I applaud your vision. And I applaud your foresight and wish for you a productive and enjoyable conference....Again, welcome to Hampton University."

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(Modified Nov. 24 2004)