The George F. Crozier Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

On a glorious, sunny day in April, a crowd of Sea Lab staff members stood in front of a covered sign in the Estuarium parking lot. Minutes before the opening of Discovery Day, the Sea Lab's Open House, the assembled group waited anxiously. "What's going on?" wondered former Sea Lab Director George Crozier, on hand to volunteer.

Dean David Johnson from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Alabama came forward, and to Dr. Crozier's genuine astonishment, read the resolution from the Board of Directors renaming the Sea Lab's aquarium the George F. Crozier Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

(Left to right) Bill Crozier, Dr. George Crozier and Dr. Deanna Crozier in front of the newly erected sign for the George F. Crozier Estuarium.

IN RECOGNITION OF GEORGE F. CROZIER

WHEREAS, Dr. George F. Crozier, a leader in the study and advancement of marine sciences in the State of Alabama since 1968, served as Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab from 1977 until his retirement in December, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crozier initiated the first high school marine science program in 1971, and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crozier was instrumental in establishing the first public awareness campaign for Mobile Bay through Bay Watch and the Estuarium, a public aquarium; and

WHEREAS, he has dedicated his life to the promotion of marine science education and research.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors for the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, by this resolution, in honor and recognition for his outstanding efforts do hereby name the Dauphin Island Estuarium -

THE GEORGE F. CROZIER ESTUARIUM

Hiding in the crowd were Dr. Crozier's wife Deana and son Bill, who burst upon the scene as the sign was unveiled.

"I told you to sell the Estuarium's name to pay off the bond," Crozier roared.  But despite his protests, he humbly acknowledged his gratitude to the Board and to the staff at the Sea Lab for the honor.