Newsroom

NEWPORT, Ore. - A new fund-raising campaign is designed to support and enhance marine education programs and exhibits at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, while creating a work of ocean-themed art to hang in the visitor center's lobby.

The "Glass Quilt Campaign" is seeking sponsors for glass squares printed with names of donors, friends, organizations or loved ones. There will be as many as 160 squares, each bearing a colorful image of Oregon marine life that will be combined to create the work of art.

The squares will be interlocked to form a large "quilt," which will be displayed at the HMSC visitor center for the next five years. The art work was designed by David Adamson, a Newport artist who graduated from OSU in 1991 and worked at the center as a marine educator.

Donors can support the Glass Quilt Campaign through tax-deductible donations of $250 or more. Donations may be made through the center's Web site at: http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/glassquilt, or by check, made payable to OSU Foundation-HMSC Glass Quilt and mailed to Nancee Hunter, Glass Quilt Giving Campaign, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport OR 97365.

Since 1965, the visitor center has served as the public face of the Hatfield Marine Science Center research and education complex on Newport's South Beach.  The visitor's center is managed by Oregon Sea Grant, an OSU-based marine research, education and public engagement program affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sea Grant marine education programs at the visitor center encourage children and adults to enjoy marine science as they learn more about the natural world.

This year, the visitor center expanded its reach to worldwide audiences via the popular OctoCam - live, streaming online video of its resident giant Pacific octopus - and its new ScienceCam, providing live science education programming for classrooms far from the ocean.

"New and exciting opportunities arise every day," said Nancee Hunter, director of the visitor center.  "Advancements in teaching and classroom science, technology that allows for hands-on exhibits, guest teachers, new and fascinating animal displays - these require resources beyond our typical operating budget.

"By giving to the Glass Quilt Campaign, people will contribute to our ongoing work of teaching the next generation to value Oregon's oceans, land and way of life."

The Glass Quilt effort is part of The Campaign for OSU. Guided by the university's strategic plan, The Campaign for OSU seeks $850 million to provide opportunities for students, strengthen the Oregon economy and conduct research that changes the world. Approximately $635 million has been committed to date from more than 54,000 donors.