{"id":27344,"date":"2025-03-04T10:10:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T15:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/?page_id=27344"},"modified":"2025-11-03T09:56:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T14:56:41","slug":"20th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/20th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"20th Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-mu-hero  hide-gradient hide-h1 has-buttons\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-media\"><div class=\"herovideo\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-video\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2800\" height=\"1636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-1024x598.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-768x449.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-1536x897.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-2048x1197.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2-150x88.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2024\/11\/24_UCI_20_Hero_V2.jpg 2800w\" class=\"wp-image-27354\" alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" >\n\t\t\t<\/figure>\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/24_UCI_Anniversary_Final-white-vertical-1.png\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"image-overlay\" alt=\"Ubran Coast Institute, Monmouth University: 20th anniversary, 2005-2025\">\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"hero-title title page-title\">20th Anniversary<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-text top-text-wrapper \"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group hero-buttons is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-in-page\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/symposium-and-awards\/\">UCI Ocean Champions List<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-hero\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/give\/?designation=Urban%20Coast%20Institute\">Support the UCI<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group hero-narrative is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"brackets\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"brackets-upper\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div 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Twenty years later, what started as an organization with one full-time employee has grown into a team of a dozen dedicated professionals with diverse expertise in marine science and policy areas. Browse the timeline below for a glimpse at some of the signature events that galvanized the UCI\u2019s efforts in its first two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\" style=\"grid-template-columns:22% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"489\" style=\"object-position: 65.05% 76.305%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/09\/20-year-report-cover-350.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28383 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/09\/20-year-report-cover-350.png 350w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/09\/20-year-report-cover-350-215x300.png 215w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"uci-20year-retrospective-report\">UCI 20-Year Retrospective Report <\/h2>\n\n\n<p>View \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/2025\/09\/03\/reflections-two-decades-supporting-stewardship-of-coastal-communities-and-ocean-resources\/\">Reflections: Two Decades Supporting Stewardship of Coastal Communities and Ocean Resources<\/a>\u201d as a digital flipbook or PDF.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 22%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"guardians-of-the-coast\">Guardians of the Coast<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>UCI Senior Ocean Policy Fellow Tony MacDonald reflects on his two decades as UCI director, the institute&#8217;s impacts, and its ongoing work to protect and sustain our coastal environments in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/guardians-of-the-coast\/\">this Q&amp;A with Monmouth Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1979\" style=\"object-position: 53.583% 29.72%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27821 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art-233x300.jpg 233w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art-795x1024.jpg 795w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art-768x990.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art-1192x1536.jpg 1192w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/04\/monmouthmag_QA_art-116x150.jpg 116w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull texture has-grey-background-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns datapoints is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-567b6619cdcb86db117d82bbd1bcfc7a\"><strong>300<\/strong><br>Student Researchers Supported<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a3e8e28bcd9453262e7ac510c246e4e0\"><strong>100<\/strong><br>Student Research Projects Supported<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0b3f224c22b01859844aaadaea988160\"><strong>50<\/strong><br>Faculty Enrichment Grants Awarded<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"uci-timeline\">UCI Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" style=\"object-position: 79.28% 37.015%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Three older men in suit jackets, ties, and glasses sitting outside.\" class=\"wp-image-27618 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/1-panetta-tony-gaffney.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2005\">2005<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">Monmouth University launched the UCI under then-President Paul G. Gaffney II, a retired vice admiral and naval oceanographer. Its first hire was Tony MacDonald, Esq., who served as director for the next 20 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2005\">2005<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">One of the UCI\u2019s first acts was to organize a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/symposium-and-awards\/\">Champion of the Ocean Awards and Future of the Ocean Symposium<\/a> on campus. The now annual event has drawn legendary ocean leaders to Monmouth such as Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Leon Panetta, and multiple NOAA administrators.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" style=\"object-position: 46.39% 42.725%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"An older woman speaking at a podium to a seated crowd. An American flag stands behind her.\" class=\"wp-image-27619 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/2-sylvia-earle.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid-1024x742.jpg\" alt=\"A person on a boat wearing orange gloves hold a transparent fish with yellow eyes to the camera\" class=\"wp-image-27626 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid-1024x742.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid-768x556.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid-150x109.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/5-baby-squid.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2009\">2009<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">The UCI began offering competitive grants for student-faculty research projects that support its mission through what is now known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/uci-scholars\/\">Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Scholars program<\/a>. The program has funded equipment purchases, conference participation opportunities, and hands-on research positions that have provided real-world experience to students while helping make a positive impact in coastal communities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2012\">2012<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">Hurricane Sandy couldn\u2019t have hit closer to home \u2013 in fact, the University opened its OceanFirst Bank Center to serve as an emergency shelter for the devastated communities that surround our campus. Sandy sharpened the UCI\u2019s focus on climate change and coastal resilience issues. Today, its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/coastal-sustainability-resiliency\/\">Coastal Community Resilience Initiative<\/a> includes a broad portfolio of projects and expertise, ranging from living shorelines and oyster reef restoration to environmental justice.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Emergency beds arranged in an arena during an emergency\" class=\"wp-image-27621 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/3-arena-shelter.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" style=\"object-position: 59.975% 38.0375%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Two scientists in a lab, using machinery meant to observe microscopic details.\" class=\"wp-image-27623 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/4-adolf-lab.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2014\">2014<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">The UCI\u2019s Marine Science &amp; Policy Initiative sprung from a successful challenge grant campaign, in which the Rechnitz family pledged $3 million if the University could raise $2 million in matching gifts. Among the Initiative\u2019s many outcomes, it significantly expanded the UCI\u2019s capacity to fund student and faculty research, supported major renovations to the School of Science, and created an endowed professor of marine science position.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2015\">2015<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation awarded the UCI a grant to serve as principal investigator for <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.midatlanticocean.org\/\">the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal<\/a>, a publicly accessible site containing 6,000+ map layers depicting marine life distributions, shipping traffic, fishing activity, offshore wind areas and more. It has become an influential tool for informing ocean management decisions and a valuable educational resource. Additional funding from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean has enabled the UCI to continue its Portal work and support regional ocean planning efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/6-portal-GIF-1024x576.gif\" alt=\"An animated image showing marine life distributions over time.\" class=\"wp-image-27627 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/6-portal-GIF-1024x576.gif 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/6-portal-GIF-300x169.gif 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/6-portal-GIF-768x432.gif 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/6-portal-GIF-150x84.gif 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"712\" style=\"object-position: 20.88% 36%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1-1024x712.jpg\" alt=\"A scientific researcher pours a liquid into a beaker.\" class=\"wp-image-27634 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/7-edna-1.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2016\">2016<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">The UCI and Rockefeller University Program for the Human Environment kicked off a partnership to conduct research and hold annual conferences on topics of regional and national interest, alternating between the Monmouth campus and RU\u2019s in New York City. From this collaboration sprung Monmouth\u2019s scientific research focus on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring marine life, which continues today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2018\">2018<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">The UCI worked with NOAA to transfer a 49-foot research vessel to Monmouth. The vessel was named the Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe in memory of the daughter of Monmouth graduate and former Board of Trustees Chair Bob Sculthorpe. The Heidi Lynn expanded the University\u2019s capacity to conduct research and contract work and enabled it to take full classes and large groups on the water.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" style=\"object-position: 61.98125% 32.23125%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding a trophy at the bow of a boat while three men and a women clap behind her.\" class=\"wp-image-27635 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/8-hls-christening.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" style=\"object-position: 24.735% 23.88%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Researchers studying a small island in the middle of a body of water\" class=\"wp-image-27637 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/02\/9-scholars.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2020\">2020<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">In concert with the University\u2019s \u201cTogether We Can\u201d scholarship fundraising campaign, the UCI worked with its Advisory Committee and generous donors to establish its first endowed scholarships: the Ann and Alfred L. Ferguson \u201813HN UCI Endowed Scholarship, Rita Mangan UCI Endowed Scholarship, MacDonald Family UCI Endowed Scholarship, and Urban Coast Institute Endowed Scholarship.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-bracket\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2023\">2023<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"body\">Through an agreement with NY\/NJ Baykeeper, a portfolio of oyster restoration projects that were started by the organization were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/2023\/08\/16\/comi-to-lead-oyster-restoration-and-resilience-initiatives-at-urban-coast-institute\/\">transitioned to Monmouth\u2019s management<\/a>, where they could continue to be expanded. Among them was an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/2025\/01\/06\/uci-oyster-reef-bolsters-naval-weapons-station-earles-natural-defenses-while-restoring-environment\/\">artificial reef off the shores of Naval Weapons Station Earle<\/a> that is restoring the environment while producing valuable data on the power of nature-based solutions for improving coastal resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-1024x607.png\" alt=\"Colorful marine organisms covering a pile of cement oyster castle blocks underwater \" class=\"wp-image-27789 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-1024x607.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-300x178.png 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-768x456.png 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-1536x911.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall-150x89.png 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/03\/reef-wall.png 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When the Urban Coast Institute (UCI) launched in 2005, Monmouth University recognized it was in a unique place to leverage the expertise of our faculty and the passion of our students to work with other partners who share our love for the oceans, and to take advantage of our location on the Jersey Shore. Twenty [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-blank","meta":{"_mu_eop_enabled":false,"_mu_eop_name":"","_mu_eop_name_override":false,"_mu_eop_description":"","_mu_eop_description_override":false,"_mu_eop_url":"","_mu_eop_url_override":false,"_mu_eop_program_type":"","_mu_eop_educational_credential":"","_mu_eop_time_to_complete":"","_mu_eop_number_of_credits":"","_mu_eop_occupational_category":"","_mu_eop_occupational_category_code":"","_mu_eop_program_prerequisites":"","_mu_eop_application_deadline":"","_mu_eop_application_start_date":"","_mu_eop_start_date":"","_mu_eop_end_date":"","_mu_eop_day_of_week":"","_mu_eop_time_of_day":"","_mu_eop_educational_program_mode":"","_mu_eop_financial_aid_eligible":"","_mu_eop_maximum_enrollment":"","_mu_eop_offers_price":"","_mu_eop_offers_currency":"USD","_mu_eop_offers_price_per":"","_mu_eop_offers_preset":"","_mu_eop_salary_upon_completion":"","_mu_eop_training_salary":"","_mu_eop_recognized_by_name":"","_mu_eop_recognized_by_url":"","_mu_eop_concentrations":"","_mu_eop_identifier_cip":"","_mu_eop_provider_name":"","_mu_eop_provider_name_override":false,"_mu_eop_provider_url":"","_mu_eop_provider_address":"","_mu_eop_provider_city":"","_mu_eop_provider_state":"","_mu_eop_provider_zip":"","_mu_eop_provider_country":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27344","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-26 05:16:19","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27344"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28675,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27344\/revisions\/28675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}