With a boy-like grin on his face, Emeritus Professor Richard Randall shook the bottle of sparking cider and christened the newest University of Guam Marine Lab research vessel named in his honor.

Randall, whose legacy and continued impact to the University and research on coral reefs in the region, was an obvious choice, said former Director of the Marine Laboratory Dr. Terry Donaldson.

“Richard’s had an extremely long career here at the laboratory—starting as a student and quickly becoming a faculty member,” Donaldson said. “He’s done a lot of work in the region on coral reef biology and geology. He’s taught the best coral course around, which we need. So I got this idea in my head that we should honor the faculty most instrumental in the development of this institution.”

Coming to Guam and joining the Marine Lab in fall of 1965, Randall reflected on all the opportunities offered by UOG and the region in terms of research on coral reef biology, which has lead to his extensive expertise in the field. He also noted that the new research vessel is ideal for deploying advanced technologies and hopefully attracting more students, both local and international, to the program.

“It’s a great contribution to the Marine Lab, and I’m certainly honored that this research vessel is my namesake,” Randall said.

With over 160 publications to his name and more than 50 years of teaching under his belt, Randall still continues to write and research for the benefit of Guam and the region.

For more information, contact the UOG Marine Laboratory at (671) 735-2176.  

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