Jan. 17, 2007

ROSASCO GIFT TO ESTABLISH CONFERENCE ROOM IN MARITIME MUSEUM

PENSACOLA- The University of West Florida has announced that in recognition of a $100,000 gift from Robert C. (Bob) Rosasco of Pensacola, a conference room in the Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center will be named in honor of Albert T. and William S. Rosasco. The "Rosasco Brothers Conference Room" will host meetings of community organizations, visiting scholars and dignitaries, the museum's advisory group and seminars related to maritime studies, public history and archaeology.

"Establishing a named space or exhibit in the maritime museum is a great way to support a facility that is important to UWF and the community," said National Maritime Museum Campaign Chair Miller Caldwell.

The $100,000 gift to the UWF Foundation will be matched with an additional $100,000 through the state's Alec P. Courtelis program for university facilities.

The Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center will be dedicated to the continued education, preservation and research of Florida's cultural and natural maritime resources. It will present innovative exhibits and educational opportunities in nautical archaeology, marine biology, environmental studies and maritime history to the public and encourage and facilitate original research for scholars and professionals in those areas.   For more information, including how to support the museum, contact Dean Van Galen, UWF Vice President for Development, at (850) 474-3306 or e-mail dvangalen@uwf.edu.