An endowment in honor of Dr. Stan Cobb, Professor Emeritus, has now reached a level where monies can be disbursed to support experiential learning in marine biology.

The Stan Cobb Endowment has reached the $25,000 meaning that starting next year disbursements can be made.

Cobb, who retired in June, 2005, said the endowment effort started then when friends and colleagues gave him money to use as he saw fit.

When the marine biology program celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, the event became a fundraiser as well, giving the endowment project a substantial boost.

Starting next year, the Cobb Endowment will begin to support experiential learning in marine biology. It will provide funding for independent research projects carried out by students under faculty supervision and may provide a cash reward for the best student project of the year in marine biology.

The endowment will also help by supplementing costs of longer field trips associated with formal courses, or research field trips organized by a faculty member. Within the context of experiential learning, it will also support community-building activities among marine biology students.

Cobb said he hopes the endowment will eventually reach the $100,000 level. A steering committee, consisting of Cobb and several alumni, will oversee the endowment. One possibility is to start seeking corporate contributions, he said.

Cobb said besides helping oversee the endowment he has been kept busy in his retirement. He recently delivered a paper on lobsters, has been working on a book and is volunteering at a Providence charter school which has adopted a maritime theme.