M O T E M A R I N E L A B O R AT O RY
PASSION. PARTNERSHIP. PHILANTHROPY. As an independent, nonprofit, mission-based marine science research institution, Mote Marine Laboratory has been working since 1955 to explore, understand and unlock the mysteries of the sea to ensure that our planet and its ocean resources are available for generations to come. What began with one scientist has now become one of the largest leading independent marine research laboratories in the world. Mote Marine Laboratory’s vision is to continue growing the impact of our research and education programs in the coming years in line with our guiding 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, and to remain a vital part of the community for decades to come. Above all else, Mote Marine Laboratory is a marine science research institute having expanded into 24 diverse research programs focused on advancing the frontiers of science, addressing the grand challenges facing our oceans today and identifying and addressing those that arise in the future.
Yet even as we remain steadfast and true to our mission, we face a defining moment in our history. Inadequate endowed resources leave the future independence of Mote Marine Laboratory dangerously dependent upon diminishing governmental funding and vulnerable to economic fluctuations of annual revenue sources. Mote has no state-funded tenured faculty positions nor guaranteed government lines for funding. For the future, a robust Mote endowment is required to provide financial stability through times of economic uncertainty. In answer to these challenges, the Mote Marine Laboratory Board of Trustees has unanimously endorsed and supported the organization’s firstever, multi-year, comprehensive fundraising effort — Oceans of Opportunity: the Campaign for Mote Marine Laboratory. This ambitious, $50-million campaign undertaken in the year of our 60th anniversary is designed to fulfill a carefully formulated plan to ensure Mote’s future for generations to come.
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LEGACY Dr. Eugenie Clark is an American ichthyologist known for her groundbreaking research on the biology and behavior of sharks. Fearlessly scuba diving in the pursuit of her research since the 1950s, she is a pioneer with an infectious passion for science. In 1954, Dr. Clark caught the attention of philanthropist Anne Vanderbilt. After reading Dr. Clark’s book, Lady with a Spear, Vanderbilt became fascinated with the idea of partnering with Dr. Clark to create a small marine lab on Florida’s west coast. Through their shared passion, a strong partnership with the community and the philanthropic support of the Vanderbilt family, the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory was born in 1955. Later guided by Mr. William R. Mote, this
vibrant classroom of the sea evolved into the internationally recognized research institution known today as Mote Marine Laboratory. With Dr. Clark’s passion, philanthropic support from the Vanderbilt and Mote families and community support and partnership, Mote’s expansion from a one-room lab to a global marine research and informal science education powerhouse was assured and is clearly making a difference today. Our Fundamental Values: Leadership in marine resource conservation and enhancement; Responsible stewardship of natural resources and fiscal assets; Creativity, collegiality, collaboration and partnership as foundations for achieving common goals; Service and education for our local, state, regional, national and international communities; Integrity and ethics in all endeavors.
IMPACT Mote Marine Laboratory has made significant contributions to marine science and informal science education throughout its 60 years of service. Among our impacts: Provided the platform for Dr. Eugenie Clark to follow her passion for science, uncover new information about our oceans and inspire us all to protect and conserve our planet; Served as one of the vital ecological first responders to the environmental disaster of the BP oil blowout; Designed a red tide detector and monitoring system to provide our coastal communities with an early warning of red tides, helping to protect public health and public resources;
Created innovative sustainable aquaculture technologies helping to feed the world; Developed methods to resurrect ancient coral reefs from death; Moved us to the brink of discovering potential new human cancer therapies using shark and ray immune systems as new models; Created a place for our children and grandchildren to learn about our marine environment and its importance to our planet; Are a unique institution that nurtures the next generation of scientists, encourages their passion for the oceans and inspires them to help solve the most pressing environmental problems we face today.
VISION Mote Marine Laboratory’s research and education enterprise is having transformative impacts on a global scale. With regional, national and international research partnerships, Mote scientists serve as marine science diplomats around the world. With school programs that include professional teacher training, field trips, high school internships, summer camps, home school and digital learning programs, Mote’s informal science education has worldwide resonance. A highly competitive National Science Foundation-funded college internship program with hundreds of college students vying for limited opportunities to be mentored by our scientists validates the organization’s impact. Mote’s culture is embedded with an entrepreneurial scientific spirit. It is the catalyst for our effectiveness, and is critical for attracting highquality scientists and team members. Yet to lead new and transformative efforts in marine research, education, outreach and policy designed to meet the critical needs facing our oceans, Mote must grow. Our vision for the future: • $25+ million annual budget • More than 45 Ph.D. scientists • More than 235 total staff • 1,600+ dedicated volunteers • 12,000+ members/donors • 600,000+ annual aquarium visitors • $111 million+ annual direct economic impact
We are Relentless in Our Pursuit of: Conserving the precious natural resources of our oceans Restoring coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, in our lifetime; Developing human cancer therapies and new drugs to fight deadly bacteria; Providing rapid responses in times of marine ecological emergencies and disasters; Restoring and sustainably using fish populations; Developing environmentally friendly, sustainable aquaculture methods to help feed the world; Serving as first responder to sick or injured sea turtles, dolphins and whales; Educating our children and enhancing the overall level of ocean literacy in the broader public; Sharing the science that will help protect the marine environment and improve the quality of all human life for generations to come.
ACTION A minimum investment of $50 million will help us achieve the visionary plan we have to secure the future of Mote Marine Laboratory for the communities and families it serves. To realize this goal, we must turn to individual philanthropists, foundations, corporations, members and friends to reach our goal and truly make a difference for our oceans. The Oceans of Opportunity Campaign started at the top — with the Board of Trustees and campaign leaders — who helped us set a challenging pace by committing their own generous gifts and pledges before we asked the community for help. These exemplary contributions provide a generous benchmark for supporters to consider as they are invited to invest in the future of Mote Marine Laboratory.
Donors are encouraged to consider tax-deductible, multi-year pledges and planned gifts. Pledging allows an extended period of time — up to five years — to fulfill a donor’s commitment to this unique local, national and international resource.
Growing the Endowment — $15 Million Strengthening Annual Giving — $30 Million Building a New Mote Research Facility in Florida Keys — $5 Million Total Campaign Goal — $50 Million
INVEST IN MOTE TODAY. CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT 941.388.4441, EXT. 309.
OCEANS OF OPPORTUNITY CAMPAIGN CABINET CHAIRMAN
Robert Essner
We cannot achieve
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY
this vision alone.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN
Please join us.
Eugene H. Beckstein MOTE MARINE LABORATORY PRESIDENT & CEO
Dr. Michael P. Crosby
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy • Sarasota, FL 34236 • (941) 388 - 4441
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