Congratulations to Class of 2020 Academic Excellence Award in Marine Affairs recipient Declan O’Donnell. The University of Rhode Island yearly honors graduating seniors for their excellence in academic achievement based on GPA, and additional criteria developed by each academic department. Recipients are awarded with a certificate of excellence and a URI label pin.

O’Donnell, from Southwick, Massachusetts, majored in Marine Affairs with a minor in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, and certificate in Energy Economics and Policy. He believes that the protection of our oceans will protect our future population and is interested in working to reduce pollution and carbon emissions by utilizing our ocean as a sustainable energy resource. As a student at URI some of his pivotal experiences were through his study abroad opportunities visiting Spain to understand sustainable business practices and spending time in Indonesia to observe the environmental impacts of tourism on the nation. This summer, Declan will be managing Shelter Cove Marine, in Charlestown, RI, continuing to enjoy the state and its waters.