25 Years of Creating Scientists 

Dear Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate a quarter-century of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. For 25 years, the Seymour Center has created scientists who create solutions. Collectively, we created a hub of curiosity, a launchpad for scientists, and a gathering space where science and community converge. We have connected over a million people to the wonders of Monterey Bay and the critical science and solutions needed to protect it and the communities that rely on it.

Reflecting on 25 Years

The Seymour Center started organically, with UCSC researchers sharing their science with curious community members. What began as a small setup of tanks in a trailer eventually became a beloved, community-supported institution.

Since our opening in 2000, over 1.38 million visitors have stepped through our doors to explore and conserve the ocean. 190,000 of those are young scientists who participated in our Youth Programs. More than 2,250 volunteers have contributed their time and talents, and 350+ UCSC undergraduates have worked here, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Our aquarium has showcased 220 species, and we’ve hosted 4,888 events ranging from school field trips to community festivals.

These numbers are impressive. Yet, it’s the deep, personal impact on individuals’ lives that is most worth celebrating. Alumni of programs like Ocean Explorers summer camp and Discovery Labs have gone on to careers in marine biology, environmental advocacy, and even science communication. Take a few of the following outstanding individuals and Seymour Center alumni:

• Jessie Kendall-Bar, now at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• Roxanne Beltran, a UCSC professor shaping the future of STEM education
• Patrick Webster, an award-winning undersea photographer and science communicator

These stories represent the heart of our mission: creating scientists. Over the course of the coming year, we will share more stories like Jessie’s, Roxanne’s, and Patrick’s. If Seymour Center impacted you or someone you know in a profound way, please let us know. We would love to feature you in this series.

As we celebrate this 25 year milestone, we pause to honor the visionaries and community members who helped launch the Seymour Center. We wouldn’t be here without the leadership and dedication of people like Julie Barrett Heffington, Gary Griggs, Steve Davenport, and countless volunteers and supporters who believed in the power of science education.

Your collective efforts laid the foundation for everything the Seymour Center has achieved in the past 25 years. Thank you.

The Next Chapter: 2025 and Beyond

While we celebrate 25 years, our focus remains firmly on the future. Santa Cruz is at the heart of the science and solutions we showcase, and we’re committed to helping our community understand and respond to the pressing challenges facing our coast. From coastal erosion to freshwater capture, wetland restoration to salmon conservation, we will highlight the cutting-edge science that is driving solutions to the impacts of climate change here in Santa Cruz.

In 2025 alone, we have exciting plans to mark our anniversary and advance our mission:

• An aquarium expansion, bringing beloved Monterey Bay species deeper into the exhibit hall
• The design of a new, innovative permanent exhibit in collaboration with UCSC’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience
• Two new augmented reality Ms. Blue experiences, giving you an innovative way to connect with our iconic blue whale skeleton
• A campaign to Raise the Whale, a fundraising effort to repair and remount Ms Blue
• Fog-inspired exhibits and experiences that explore the science and mystery of this vital natural phenomenon
• A new educational series, offering hands-on opportunities to engage with UCSC scientists and local environmental leaders
• A special, first-of-its-kind event in fall 2025, details to be announced in the Spring

I want to recognize and thank the incredible team whose leadership and creativity are guiding us into the future:

• Emily Casaretto, Visitor Experience Manager
• Marina Dimitrov, Visitor Experience Manager
• Lauren Donnelly-Crocker, Deputy Director
• Sarah Groff, Volunteer Coordinator
• Kevin Keedy, Youth Programs Director
• Peter Macht, Aquarium Curator
• Dana Neel, Youth Programs Manager
• Emily San Nicolas, Private Events Manager
• Annie Smith, Donor Experience Coordinator
• UCSC Undergraduate Employees, Interns, and Volunteers
• Community volunteers and collaborators

Through their work and your support, we are creating a brighter future for our community and our ocean.

Here’s to the last—and the next— 25 years of creating scientists.

With immense gratitude,

Jonathan Hicken
Executive Director
Seymour Marine Discovery Center