URI President David M. Dooley and GSO Dean Bruce H. Corliss hosted over 50 ​URI alumni and friends at an evening reception aboard the E/V Nautilus while docked at the Embarcadero pier in San Francisco. The event highlighted the important partnership between URI and the Nautilus, which is advancing oceanographic research, exploration and education across the world.

Dr. Robert Ballard reported on the impact of the collaborations between URI scientists, students and E/V Nautilus, and attendees were treated to tours of the world-class exploration vessel following the speaking program.​