Delta Murphy
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Wrigley Institute Turns 10 & 40
Board Chair Calls Progress 'Astounding'
In May, Delta Murphy, chair of the
Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Advisory Board, addressed
the USC College Board of Councilors. An edited version of her remarks
appears below.
I am delighted to be here today to speak to you about a subject I feel very passionate about — the USC Wrigley Institute.
This has been a wonderful year for the Wrigley. Forty years ago, in
1965, Phil and Dorothy W. Offield and the Wrigley family dedicated land
to USC, allowing the establishment of the Philip K. Wrigley Marine
Science Center on Catalina. Ten years ago, William and Julie Wrigley
built on the family tradition with the founding of the USC Wrigley
Institute. In late August, we will celebrate both of these
anniversaries with an open house at the Catalina facility.
The Wrigley family and USC College have together created a vision for
Catalina island and its value to science and society that is truly
ahead of its time. Four generations of this generous and thoughtful
family have committed themselves to this common goal. We are grateful
for their efforts. It has been a joy and privilege to get to know them
through the institute that bears their name.
I first became involved with the Wrigley many years ago when Morty
Shapiro, then dean of the College, asked if I would join the Wrigley
Board. As an alumna of USC, an enthusiastic supporter of the university
and, through my work as chair of the Los Angeles County Planning
Commission, someone involved and enamored with Catalina and its
citizens, I thought it was a perfect fit and later became chair.
It has been a wonderful experience. In that time, there has been
astounding progress at the Wrigley; it’s been explosive. The
institute’s research has gained international prominence, and its
outreach and educational programs have attracted tremendous attention.
The Wrigley has attracted top scientists, such as Ken Nealson, a
pioneer of the interdisciplinary field of geobiology, whose studies may
lead to the use of microbes to remove elements in water that are
harmful to people.
Nealson’s presence also has been critical to the development a
one-of-a-kind, advanced geobiology seminar, now in its fourth year. The
seminar has helped the Wrigley cement its role as a leader in
geobiology, attracting renowned scientists and talented graduate
students from across the globe.
Recent recruit Dennis Hedgecock leads a new fisheries program at the
institute, established by a gift from the Wrigley Board’s Packy
Offield. The scientists use genetics and other tools to study the
sustainability and restoration of sea bass, sea urchin and marlin
fisheries and oyster aquaculture. Early results are exciting — they
have bred an oyster that promises to triple aquacultural oyster
production.
Wrigley faculty study an array of coastal problems. Dave Caron
researches the causes and impacts of red tides. Doug Capone’s work on
the marine nitrogen cycle sheds light on processes of climate change.
In K-12 education, one of the institute’s most promising new
partnerships was created by Wrigley Board member and USC alumnus Bob
McKnight with his company Quiksilver, Inc. The QuikScience Challenge is
a contest that promotes marine science-based education across the
region. Reaction from teachers and students has been overwhelming.
George Boone, a member of the Wrigley Board and USC trustee, has had an
important impact on the growth of the Catalina campus. Our “visionary,”
he led the push to build the “Tuscan Village” — housing for visiting
scientists that opened in 2003. With his encouragement, we are
considering a second addition that would further ease the housing
shortage on the island.
The Wrigley would not have been able to make such tremendous strides in
the past decade without Tony Michaels, director of the institute, who
is a charismatic leader, a much-respected scientist and an ardent
advocate for environmental science and education.
Likewise, Joseph Aoun, dean of the College, is an invaluable supporter
of the institute’s mission, and a beacon for us followers.
Also deserving recognition are members of the Wrigley Board, faculty
and staff — notably Ann Close — who have played key roles in the
institute’s continuing transformation.
The road ahead is full of wonder and infinite possibilities. I sense
that the Wrigley is only at the beginning of what will surely prove a
rewarding journey for USC and the world.
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