Oregon State University has announced a $20 million gift from alumni Judy (’65) and Mike Gaulke (’68) to create a marine innovation and technology center.

Awarded to the Oregon State University Foundation, the gift will establish the Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology and support innovative, interdisciplinary research and technology to help better understand, protect, and utilize the ocean and its environment. The gift includes start-up funding for the new center, support for faculty and graduate students, and funding for early-stage research or projects. In addition, it will support the Michael and Judith Gaulke Chair in Ocean Innovation, and an endowment will provide long-term center support.

Longtime supporters of their alma mater, the Gaulkes established the first endowed chair in the College of Engineering’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 2012.

“We have had the opportunity to sail, dive, and swim in oceans around the world, and we have seen dramatic changes within our own lifetime—from the disappearance of sharks to coral bleaching,” said Mike Gaulke. “From the massive worldwide problem of junk in the ocean to the opportunity of harnessing sustainable energy, there are so many challenges to address. We believe OSU is the ideal place to invest in creating solutions, and we hope others will join us.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Borchee)