Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Congressman Barney Frank have given New Bedford’s Ocean Explorium their seal of approval.

Both Gov. Patrick and Rep. Frank addressed patrons at the Ocean Explorium’s second annual Gala fundraiser event—this year in honor of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor, Jean MacCormack.

 “An event honoring Chancellor McCormack for the benefit of the Ocean Explorium is a great pairing of two of our regions greatest assets and a celebration of the progress we have made in ensuring that the people of the SouthCoast enjoy the full economic, cultural and recreational potential of our fortunate geography,” extolled Rep. Barney Frank.

“This is a wonderful and gratifying endorsement of the many trustees, staff, interns, volunteers and members of the local community who have worked so hard to make the Ocean Explorium a success” said director Mark Smith.

“I believe Chancellor MacCormack’s passion for this project is indicative of her extraordinary commitment to education in this community,” said Rep. Frank. “The Ocean Explorium is here today because she believes wholeheartedly in the single most important thing we can offer our children—a meaningful education.”  

Chancellor MacCormack has been a long-time supporter of the Ocean Explorium and an advocate for marine science education. The Explorium is the outcome of a core partnership between the New Bedford Oceanarium and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which purchased the Explorium’s focal exhibit, Science on a Sphere®.

Gov. Patrick and Rep. Frank joined a crowd of 150 Ocean Explorium supporters, including New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang and keynote speaker New Bedford attorney Margaret Xifaras Esq.

The Chair of the Ocean Explorium, businessman Albino Dias, presented Chancellor MacCormack with the Ocean Explorium’s 2010 Community Hero award. “We are thrilled to honor Chancellor MacCormack. Her extraordinary vision and commitment to education on the SouthCoast makes her a true community hero” said Ocean Explorium director Mark Smith

“Since we opened in downtown New Bedford last summer, about 10,000 students have come to the Ocean Explorium on school field trips, and some 70,000 people of all ages have visited,” said Mr. Smith.

The Gala fundraiser was one of the first to be held at the city’s recently opened Waypoint Event Center at the Fairfield Inn and Suites.

For more information or additional photos, contact Betsy Pye on 508 994 5400, or visit the Ocean Explorium website at www.oceanexplorium.org.