Narragansett, R.I. — March 24, 2000 — Friends of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) recently elected its Executive Board for 2000. The new officers are Jeanne Anderson of South Kingstown, Chair; Jan Sieburth of West Kingston, Vice-chair; and Hal Nomer of Wakefield, Financial Secretary. New members of the Executive Board include Barbara Nicholson of North Kingstown and GSO student Catalina Martinez of Narragansett. Re-elected to the board were Betty Albro of Peacedale; Brian Casey, Dr. Brian Heikes, and Dr. John MacIver of North Kingstown; Diana Clarkin of Narragansett; Dr. Steven D’Hondt of East Greenwich; and Dr. Susan Hammen-Winn and Dorothy Rago of Saunderstown. Friends of Oceanography Executive Director Paula Staples, GSO Dean James Yoder, as well as Associate Dean John Merrill, Public Relations Coordinator Lisa Cugini, Bay Campus Fiscal Coordinator Jane Miner, and GSO support staffer Debi Morrissey will carry out the administrative duties of the organization. Established in 1985 to support and promote the activities of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Friends of Oceanography informs and educates the membership and the general public about the scientific, technological, and environmental research that takes place at GSO. The organization sponsors public lectures, open houses, marine-related mini-courses, science cruises on Narragansett Bay, and an annual auction. The Friends office is located in the Coastal Institute building on URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus. For information about Friends of Oceanography, call 874-6602. For information about Friends of Oceanography, call the Friends Office at at 874-6602. x-x-x Contact: Lisa Cugini, 874-6642, lcugini@gso.uri.edu