Garvine, right, with Don Anderson, director of WHOI's
Coastal Ocean Institute. Photo: Kevin Quinlan
Rich Garvine is known throughout the oceanography community for his humility and for his ability to deflect praise no matter how much he deserves it. So as he stood in front of his many colleagues and friends assembled to see him accept the Bostwick H. Ketchum Award at a Nov. 16 ceremony, his words came as no surprise.
“I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of the College of Marine and Earth Studies and for my graduate students, because they represent my legacy to the future,” said the Maxwell P. and Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies.
Garvine, an internationally known pioneer and expert on coastal oceanography, received the award from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) for demonstrating an innovative approach to coastal research, for his leadership in the scientific community, and for providing a link between coastal research and societal issues.
Provost Dan Rich, College of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES) Dean Nancy Targett and the more than 100 colleagues, former and current students, and friends that had gathered in the lobby of Clayton Hall responded to Garvine’s speech with overwhelming applause. Several attendees also stood in front of the crowd to share highlights of the researcher’s 37-year career.
Glen Gawarkiewicz, a WHOI scientist and one of Garvine’s former students, touched on his mentor’s research contributions, saying, “It is a hallmark of Rich’s work to do both absolutely state-of-the-art observations and then follow it up with groundbreaking theory work.”
Others, such as Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies Carolyn Thoroughgood, noted that in addition to his accomplishments as a scientist, Garvine is an outstanding colleague who provides valuable advice.
“I often referred to Rich as my academic compass,” said Thoroughgood, who formerly served as CMES dean.
Two speakers, WHOI Senior Scientist Ken Brink and graduate student Ana Rice, announced that Garvine had more accolades coming his way. Brink said that the Journal of Marine Research will complete a special issue in Garvine’s honor, and on behalf of CMES, Rice presented him with a book filled with kind words from colleagues, friends and family.
Summing up the tone of the book as well as the ceremony, Rice said what could not be denied, even by Garvine himself, “Your humility, humanity and ability to bring out the best in people is what makes you special.”
For more on Garvine’s career and to read a story announcing him as the 2007 Bostwick H. Ketchum Award recipient, click here.
To learn more about the CMES, visit www.ocean.udel.edu.