October Newsletter

Watch the 2025 Future of the Ocean Symposium

Thanks to all who attended and supported the UCI's 2025 Future of the Ocean Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards luncheon at Monmouth University on Oct. 9. The UCI also congratulates 2025 National Champion of the Ocean honorees, Victor Vescovo, Larry Mayer, and Congressman Frank Pallone. Videos of the symposium discussions can now be viewed online.

• View videos on event website
• View event program (PDF)
• View event photos

UCI Ecopsychologist in Residence Delaney to Help Students ‘Restore at the Shore’

Associate Professor Megan Delaney, Ph.D., LPC, has joined the UCI as its ecopsychologist in residence. In this first-of-its-kind role, Delaney will deliver programming designed to help students reduce stress and revive their attention and energy for classwork through direct engagement with nature.

20 Years of Impact: The Urban Coast Institute’s Journey at Monmouth University

The UCI turned 20 this year and Tony MacDonald has been its director from the start. Watch above as Tony looks back on some of the UCI achievements he’s most proud of. 

Watch: Herrington Joins Roundtable on Beach Replenishment Funding Challenges

UCI Associate Director Tom Herrington was a panelist on an Oct. 1 online discussion hosted by South Jersey Forward about funding challenges New Jersey faces for its future beach replenishment needs. 

MacDonald, Herrington Guests on Monmouth Matters

Monmouth University President Patrick Leahy and Matt Harmon welcomed Tony MacDonald and Tom Herrington as guests on the Monmouth Matters podcast on Oct. 21 to discuss the UCI's work, recent Future of the Ocean Symposium, upcoming leadership transition, and more. 

Upcoming Events

Nov. 3-Dec. 22

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Register to take advantge of free activities and exhibits dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean in the U.N.'s upcoming climate negotiations.

Nov. 12-13

2025 Global Understanding Convention

Monmouth University

An agenda is now online for the Institute for Global Understanding event, which aims to engage the campus community on ways it can support a culture of peace, dialogue, and trust in the region, nation, and around the world. 

Nov. 12-13

Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit

Dewey Beach, DE

Registration is open for free event featuring engaging presentations, facilitated breakout sessions, poster and flash talks, networking opportunities and field trips. Poster abstracts are still being accepted.

Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.

How Tuesday Webinar: Fishing Data

The UCI's Jay Odell and Karl Vilacoba will provide an online tour of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal's recently reorganized collection of nearly 2,000 maps showing commercial fishing areas and activities.

March 19-21

2026 New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference

Galloway, NJ

The NJCRC and NJDEP welcome abstracts for presentations and panels focused on ideas and actions that make a difference when undertaking coastal management and climate resilience work.

MISSION: The Urban Coast Institute's mission is to serve Monmouth University and the public as a forum for research, education and collaboration in the development and implementation of science-based policies and programs that support stewardship of healthy, productive and resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.

monmouth.edu/uci | uci@monmouth.edu | (732) 263-5662