URI
Graduate School of Oceanography to celebrate new partnership with fundraiser
aboard tall ship Oliver Hazard Perry
NARRAGANSETT, R.I.– The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography will celebrate its new partnership with Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, the non-profit group constructing a tall ship for educational purposes, with a benefit reception aboard the 200-foot-long ship Tuesday, May 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tickets to the event, called All Hands on Deck, cost $100 and can be reserved by visiting All Hands on Deck. For more information, call the GSO Dean’s Office at 401-874-6440.
The event will provide an opportunity for those interested in tall ships, education-at-sea, and the Graduate School of Oceanography to tour the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry at Fort Adams, Newport, meet URI oceanographers, and learn about an undergraduate research and education expedition scheduled for January 2016.
“This partnership is a great opportunity to get URI students out on the water in a unique setting and let them experience the excitement and challenges of marine science,” said Bruce Corliss, dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography. “The students will not only be doing a variety of oceanographic sampling and observations, but they will be actively involved in the ship’s operations as well.”
Construction of the three-masted sailing vessel is due to be completed this summer. It is named for the U.S. Navy commodore who was born in South Kingstown, buried in Newport, and who was a hero of the War of 1812. The vessel will sleep 49 people, which includes 17 professional crew members.
Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island aims to use the ship to provide education- and adventure-at-sea programs to youth and adults while advancing the Ocean State’s rich nautical heritage.
The first college class aboard the ship will experience a 7-day scientific voyage departing from Miami in January that will be led by URI oceanographers Susanne Menden-Deuer and Brice Loose. Up to 30 URI undergraduates will participate as part of the University’s J-term, a concentrated mini-semester between the fall and spring semesters.
“I’m so pleased that we have established this great partnership with Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island,” Corliss said. “It’s a terrific opportunity for the University of Rhode Island and for our students.”
All proceeds from the May 12 event will benefit the Education at Sea Program established by the partnership of Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island and the URI Graduate School of Oceanography.