Helping UNE sail for the deep waters: Marine Science facility renamed for Arthur Girard

Arthur Girard looks up as the center's new name is revealed
Arthur Girard looks up as the center's new name is revealed

Art Girard grew up exploring the tide pools and coastline of Saco Bay, developing a deep appreciation for its uniquely dynamic marine ecosystem, and for the marine life and coastal lifestyles it supports. Now, he spends time at a summer home there and has enjoyed watching the growth at the neighboring University of New England’s Biddeford Campus. “Just seeing how it was growing, it was fabulous,” said Girard. “There was a lot of electricity here, and I just wanted to be a part of it.”

Girard’s desire for responsible marine stewardship, especially in his beloved Saco Bay, inevitably led him to UNE’s marine science programs. In 2015, Girard and his family generously showed their appreciation for the work being done in UNE’s Marine Sciences Department by donating Ram Island to the university—making UNE one of the few universities that can boast of having their own island. The relatively unspoiled environment of the off-shore island in the Saco Bay—teeming with marine life—has proven to be an invaluable resource for students and researchers at UNE’s Marine Science Center, located just two miles away at the mouth of the Saco River on UNE’s Biddeford Campus. Having such a facility on campus—with a flow-through seawater system that supplies classrooms, labs and large pools for study and research on a myriad of marine animals and organisms—is something unique on the east coast. 

So when Girard announced he was making another donation, this time, one of the largest philanthropic commitments in the University’s history, UNE knew there was only one way to show its appreciation. That is why, at a dedication ceremony on September 15, 2016, UNE honored Girard by renaming the Marine Science Center the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center. The UNE community joined the Girard family as the center's new name was revealed in block letters on the front of the building. “I’m a kid from Hell’s Kitchen in New York City that used to sell shopping bags,” said Girard. “When you see your name on a university building, it’s unbelievable.”

“Art and his family have become dear friends to the university, and we are proud to honor him in this way,” said UNE President Danielle Ripich. “The ocean has been an important metaphor for me throughout my time at UNE, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have on board with me than Art Girard as we sail for the deep waters.”

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Read more from the Journal Tribune.

To learn more about The University of New England’s Department of Marine Sciences visit www.une.edu/cas/marine

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.