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SeaLife Center event honors Hickel family

August 9th 5:36 pm | Alaska Newspapers Staff Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

The Alaska SeaLife Center at Seward has officially opened the Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel Overlook, in tribute to the significant contribution of the Hickel family in establishing the marine facility.

Ermalee Hickel, sons Joe and Ted Hickel, and grandson Cody, participated in the ceremonies yesterday at the overlook, which offers a spectacular view of Resurrection Bay.

Marine life such as Dall's porpoise, many seabird species, sea otters, Steller sea lions, orcas and even humpback whales are frequently observed in front of the Overlook.

Ian Dutton, chief executive officer of the SeaLife Center, said that the late governor and Ermalee Hickel made a seminal contribution establishing the world-class facility that enables research and education programs. "Their passion for stewardship of our oceans continues to inspire our work. We hope that visitors to the center will pause at the Hickel Overlook to enjoy the stunning beauty of Resurrection Bay and reflect on the many benefits that our oceans provide us."

Hickel, born in Ellinwood, Kansas in 1919, arrived in Alaska in 1940 and in the ensuing years became involved in the real estate industry. He went on to become one of the giants in the development and history of the 49th state, including two terms as governor of Alaska from 1966 to 1969, and again from 1990 to 1994.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems

 

Alaska Newspapers Staff can be reached at editor@alaskanewspapers.com, or by phone at 907-348-2449

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