Parker boat christened for Chowan’s environmental research
With a prayer of dedication, the crown
jewel of the new environmental studies
program was launched from Shoup's
Landing on the scenic Chowan River
November 1. Chowan alumnus, Linwood
Parker '66, recently supported the depart
ment of science with a donation of time and
labor for the production of a custom-crafted,
18' center-console, commercial power boat.
Parker, owner of Parker Marine Enterprises,
Inc., of Beaufort, North Carolina was in
Murfreesboro during Homecoming weekend
for the christening of the vessel.
Equipped with the latest electronic equip
ment, including a global positioning system
unit and depthfinder. sampling equipment such
as plankton nets, trawls, bottom dredges for
sediment samples and meters will be used from
the boat to study and compare different
aquatic ecosystems.
Chowan's new environmental biology major
was added this fall within the department of
science. The college’s unique location allows
for easy access to numerous aquatic habitats
including the Meherrin and Chowan Rivers,
Dismal Swamp. Currituck and Albemarle Sound
as well as. estuarine and coastal environments
along the Outer Banks.
Assistant professor of biology, Emily
Deaver, notes, “Although some studies can be
conducted from shore, a boat is needed to
access numerous study sites on local rivers
Linwood Parker ‘66
and Emily Deaver,
assistant professor
of science, evaluate
the logistics of boat
christening.
Linwood Parker '66
takes the helm of the
new environmental
research vessel.
Accompanying him
are Garth Faile,
science department
chair, Johnnye Lott,
Chowan student
Christina Smith and
President Stan Lott.
(K)
II »i^ii III
and effectively sample and study the larger
bodies of water. The addition of the boat to
the program allows for studies in freshwater,
estuarine and saltwater ecosystems including
nearshore and deepwater habitats.”
With current global emphasis on wetlands
and environmental quality, students will be
uniquely equipped with “hands-on” experience
for a variety of positions, including careers in
teaching, research and government, and will be
well-prepared for admission to professional and
graduate schools.
Prayer of Dedication
by E. Vincent Tilson
Vice President for Development
Father, we present this vessel now to the
waters of your creation with the sense of deep
reverence which we feel when we read in
Genesis that ‘‘God called the dry land earth,
and the waters that were gathered together
he called Seas. ”
We present this vessel to the waters of your
creation ever grateful both for the generosity
ofLinwood Parker and for the men and women
whose skilled hands, whose alert minds and
whose altogether careful craftsmanship in the
proud name of Parker Marine shaped this boat
to foot flawlessly and safely even as the ark of
Noah “floated on the face of the waters. ”
Know, love and honor the sincerity of each
of us this morning as we, in behalf of all who
will ever board this boat, pray your providence
upon every person while they use this vessel.
In the midst of the breeze upon the faces of
those who teach and those who learn using
this equipment, may there be the sweet pro
tective presence of the Lord of whom the dis
ciples marveled saying, "What sort of man is
this, that even the winds and sea obey him ? ”
So it is that as we launch and christen this
vessel this morning, we do so, God, pledging
before you our wisest stewardship of this re
source. We pledge before you its operation
in the safest possible manner so as to honor
the sanctity of human life as those who use this
research vessel explore, protect and promote
the magnificent natural world of your creat
ing
Accept our prayer and plea in the spirit of
Christ our Lord who "about the fourth watch
of the night came to his disciples, walking on
the sea. ’’ Amen.
Virginia Day for Chowan welcomed 37 volunteers from the Southampton and Franklin
areas, who were instrumental in raising $3, 215.00 in pledges and gifts. Pictured above
are (l-r) Stan Lott, Chowan's president, and Charlie Greiner, senior vice president and
general manager, Fine Paper Division, Union Camp Corporation.
Page 6 — CHOWAN TODAY, December 1996
Sharing experiences before speaking to the Day for Chowan
gathering are (l-r) Allison Murray ‘98, graphics design major from
Charlotte, NC, Tony Farmer ‘99, graphics major from Lynchburg, VA,
and Bonny Alphonso ‘99, graphics major from Greensboro, NC.