Press Releases

December 9, 1999
Evan Frankel Foundation Scholarships to Marine Science Students Are Announced

Contact:
Debbie Hare
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Six of the top students in the Marine Science Program at Southampton College of Long Island University have been awarded $4,000 scholarships by the Evan Frankel Foundation based in East Hampton. The Foundation, which made its first grant to students in the College's Marine Science Program in 1997, has now awarded 26 marine science scholarships for a total of $88,000. The scholarships will allow the winners to participate in a variety of learning experiences around the world through the College's internship and experiential education programs.

With the support of the Frankel Foundation, Mary Beth Rew of Cortland, NY and Julianne Rowehl of Huntington, NY will participate in Tropical Marine Biology, a unique travel course to the South Pacific in January 2000. Danielle Palmer of Scotia, NY will participate in a tucuxi dolphin study in Costa Rica led by Southampton College Professor Paul Forestell. "This opportunity will serve not only to significantly enhance my appreciation and understanding of marine science, but will also allow me to apply this experience in studying marine mammals," Palmer said.

Vanessa Saari of Ballston Spa, NY, who plans a career conducting research on whales, has been offered an internship position with the Whale Research Group team collecting data on whale sharks in Belize.

Brett Purinton of North Ferrisburgh, VT is heading to Australia to join the Australia Institute of Marine Science to work on satellite oceanography. Brett writes: "Completing an internship is only one step towards my final goals. My dream of studying the ocean has never wavered. My life will always be closely linked to the waters of our world."

For Carey Hobbs of Lehi, UT the Evan Frankel Scholarship will allow her to do independent research at the University of Hawaii's chemistry department. "My ultimate goal is to become a marine natural products chemist studying bioactive compounds. The Evan Frankel Scholarship will allow me to enhance my education further by making it possible to obtain a research experience where I will be working independently." The Evan Frankel Foundation was established in April 1991. The late Evan Frankel, who received an Honorary Degree from Southampton College in 1982, was instrumental in founding the Jewish Center of the Hamptons and was active in the East End community for more than 50 years. Andrew Sabin, a prominent East End businessman and environmentalist, is a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

The Foundation's primary emphasis is in higher education, the humanities, and the environment. In addition to the 26 Marine Science Scholarships, the Foundation has also awarded $30,000 to the College's English and Writing Program to underwrite the Circle of Distinguished Authors.

Southampton College's Marine Science Program is nationally recognized for its excellence and was featured as the top academic program in a special "Best of Long Island" issue of The New York Times. The Marine and Environmental Sciences Programs have produced a total of 31 Fulbright Scholars, two Udall Scholars and a Marshall Scholar in the past 24 years.