SIO LOG 38, October 2, 2003

OH, HOW WE SHINED! The incredible events of last week, celebrating our 100th birthday, were wonderful! The culmination of almost two years of hard work was quite evident. The Oceans 2003 conference was hugely successful with over 5,000 attendees from 117 countries, over 800 scientific/technical presentations, and an entirely sold out Town and Country Hotel. The Thursday evening "100th Birthday Bash" was spectacular! Our new Pawka Green was gorgeous, with colorful up lights on all buildings and a huge "100" projected onto Sumner Auditorium. We received many special congratulatory proclamations and letters from all over the world, from President Bush to Queen Elizabeth to senators and admirals to Hollywood's Paul Newman. The evening was very special and we are still getting wonderful and glowing phone calls and email messages from friends everywhere. "The Centennial Homecoming" was beyond anyone's expectations, with over 2,200 of SIO's favorite alums, students, staff, friends, and families. It was wonderful seeing so many people happy, energetic, and proud to be associated with SIO. Old friends and colleagues were reacquainted and many new ones made. Obviously there is no way I can thank everyone in the SIO LOG. The extensive list, as well as many fantastic photographs, will be posted on our Web site over the coming week. I would, however, like to say a VERY SPECIAL THANKS to two people who were responsible for the amazing events of these celebrations......Kevin Hardy, the Centennial Director, and Jill Hammons, our Special Events Director. They and their team of volunteers and professionals made us shine, made us proud, and let the world know not only that Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been here for one stellar century, but that the best is yet to come! Thanks to all who made our dream a reality. (Charlie Kennel)