The Oceanographic Center will be renamed the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center in honor of wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey.
The decision was announced on Oct. 31 after Harvey and his Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation provided a financial gift, said Joseph Donzelli, associate director in the Office of Public Affairs.
“His gift will allow the Oceanographic Center to increase and enhance research and impact the ability to provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in marine science,” Donzelli said. “Harvey’s gift will ensure generations of marine biologists, oceanographers and researchers with the facilities to learn and take over as the next generation.”
Donzelli said that since Harvey has been a part of NSU for a long time, renaming the center is a way to finally honor all he has done for the university. Harvey has been involved with NSU for many years and is a philanthropic leader who has made a significant investment at NSU. His research institute has been a part of the Oceanographic Center since 1999.
“Harvey’s research institute allows our students to travel around the Caribbean and even around the world – conducting research on various types of fish and sharks, especially the mako shark, NSU’s mascot,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to determine the best way to ensure sustainability in the world’s oceans and Harvey has been very involved with those efforts,” he said.
Donzelli said the Oceanographic Center is already nationally and internationally known, but there are still people who don’t know about the center.
“Unfortunately, some don’t know what our center is, does or where it is even located, but they know who Guy Harvey is. His achievements will bring our Oceanographic Center to a whole new group of people who didn’t know we existed in the past,” he said.
The Oceanographic Center is near and dear to Harvey’s heart, said Donzelli.
“We’ve all seen the hats, shirts, apparel and unbelievable artwork Harvey creates, but people don’t realize is that he has his doctorate in fisheries. He isn’t just a world-class and talented artist, but he is also very talented in marine sciences,” he said.
A ceremony date for the new name is to be determined and may be held once the name is changed on the building. Donzelli said the Harvey’s iconic signature will be placed on the building.
