Jacksonville University students and officials gather for the recent official opening of the campus’ Marine Science Research Institute. The event drew almost 200 people, including elected officials and others who had their first opportunity to see the facility. Institute Executive Director Quinton White believes the center will change the way the school and community interact with the river. The LEED-certified building houses numerous programs, including the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, among others, in addition to the numerous hands-on labs and offices for students. Construction began in March 2009 and the institute opened weeks ago, but the ceremony signifies an official launch. “Let’s get this building open,” said an enthusiastic Kerry Romesburg, JU president. “This is a transformational day for this university and Jacksonville.”