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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 1997

Source: Phillip E. Pope, 765-494-3573

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Named 27th College Program

The U. S. Department of Commerce recently named the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant the nation's 27th Sea Grant college program. The announcement designating Purdue University and the University of Illinois as Sea Grant colleges was made by D. James Baker, undersecretary of the U. S. Department of Commerce. Baker, administrator for oceans and atmosphere, made the announcement during a keynote speech at the Great Lakes Commission annual meeting in Chicago on October 3.

He said, "The University of Illinois and Purdue University received their designation as Sea Grant colleges, because, working together, they have developed an excellent inter-disciplinary program of research, education and outreach that addresses the needs of the Great Lakes region and goals of the nation." Baker noted that the joint Illinois-Indiana program was specifically cited for its research excellence in aquaculture and water quality and for its work on the control of zebra mussels and other nonindigenous species.

National Sea Grant College Program Director Ron Baird and Sea Grant Association President Chris D'Elia spoke at the ceremony.

Program Director Phillip E. Pope said, "We're extremely pleased with this designation as the 27th National Sea Grant College Program. The attainment of College status is a capstone of all the hard work of a very dedicated staff. The support and commitment of the Purdue University and the University of Illinois were essential to this process. In addition to the staff and institutional dedication, the guidance and encouragement of the National Sea Grant Office created an environment in which the Program could function to reach this level. Attaining College status provides the springboard for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant in its future role in the southern Lake Michigan region."

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The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of more than 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana.