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A fund-raiser for the University of Hawaii Marine Option Program generated more than $30,000 and so much enthusiasm it may become an annual alumni affair. Community helps
marine program
stay afloatStar-Bulletin staff
About 300 supporters attended the Nov. 18 party, sponsored by Oceanic Imaging Consultants, Inc., at The Hawaii Maritime Center and the Falls of Clyde.
Founders John Craven and Jack Davidson spoke at the event.
"It certainly was a success, at least in terms of validating strong community support for activities of the Marine Option Program," said Thomas Reed, Oceanic Imaging president.
The event "was successful in raising community awareness, and maybe MOP no longer is in danger," he said.
The program lost $150,000 in budget cuts at the UH School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and was threatened with closure this academic year.
Program director Sherwood Maynard was able to keep things going with funds provided by the UH College of Natural Sciences, the Oceanography Department and Oceanic Imaging.
The Oceanography Department also took over the program's two graduate certificate programs.
Part of Oceanic Imaging's donation was hosting the fund-raiser, and Reed said there was "an overwhelming positive response."
Former MOP students were "delighted to see each other again," he said. "They see it as an annual event -- part reunion and part fund-raiser."
The MOP was created in 1971 to raise awareness and understanding of the ocean.
It teaches undergraduates about the ocean and gives them experience in the marine industry.
"It certainly is a valuable program to us," said Reed, whose sea-floor mapping company employs three graduates and one current student.
Besides providing students with greater knowledge of the industry, it enables those in industry to stay in touch with the academic community, Reed said.
He said the funds will allow services of the program to continue throughout the year.
Maynard is still looking for a way to secure stable funding and hopes the UH administration will see, from the community support, how important the program is to marine education.
Those wishing to help may send a check to the UH Foundation, noting it is for the "MOP Miracle Fund." The address is: Marine Option Program, UH-Manoa, 2525 Correa Rd., HIG 214, Honolulu HI, 96822.
Those interested in an annual MOP reunion and fund-raiser may call Oceanic Imaging at 539-3709.
University of Hawaii
UH Marine Option Program
