The University of Texas Marine Science Institute hosted a ribbon-cutting event on Saturday, Aug. 14, for the sponsors and donors who supported its newly renovated visitor center, now renamed the Patton Center for Marine Science Education, to commemorate contributions by Bobby and Sherri Patton. The Center was made possible by the Pattons, the University of Texas at Austin and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The center underwent a large redesign and will feature several new aquaria and exhibits showcasing our local marine systems. The institute is still finishing the exhibits and plans to be open to the public this October. The Center was designed by Turner | Ramirez Architects and constructed by Beecroft Construction. Both firms are based in Corpus Christi, Texas.
From left are Dr. David Vanden Bout, Dean of College of Natural Sciences, at The University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Edward Buskey,UTMSI director; Sherri Patton, Robert ‘Bobby’ Patton Jr.; Jay Hartzell, president of The University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Jeff Payne, director of the NOAA Office of Coastal Management and Todd Hunter, state representative, District 32.