University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., has awarded the UC Presidential Medal to UC Santa Cruz alum Julie Packard in recognition of her work to safeguard the world’s marine ecosystems and her steadfast support of the University and its role as a leader in ocean conservation science.
The Presidential Medal is the University’s highest honor. UC President Drake bestowed it on Packard during the 50th anniversary celebration of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, held June 8.
In announcing the award, Drake lauded Packard for her longstanding commitment to UC Santa Cruz and the UC system, noting that her “transformative philanthropy” has allowed the University to turn scientific research into practical environmental solutions, while inspiring generations of students to study — and protect — the global ocean.
“Your contributions to environmental stewardship, and your unwavering dedication to the University of California and the UC Santa Cruz campus, have made a tremendous impact on the world,” Drake said. “Your support has helped to ensure that UC Santa Cruz can remain on the cutting edge of teaching, research and public service — and that it can continue to make a real difference in the communities we serve.”
Packard, a marine biologist, earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a focus on marine algae. She then went on to co-found the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where she continues to serve as executive director.
Under her leadership, the aquarium has become a global force for ocean conservation. It has educated and enlightened more than 70 million visitors since opening its doors in 1984 and is widely considered one of the best aquariums in the world for its innovative and educational programming.
“What Julie has done with the aquarium is absolutely remarkable,” said UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive. “She established the aquarium as a must-see destination while also cementing its reputation as a leader in ocean policy, taking it well beyond exhibits, science and research. Very few people have the vision, presence and talents to accomplish something like that. Her impact on ocean conservation and protection has been enormous.”
President Drake, left, stands with Julie Packard, holding the UC Presidential Medal.
Packard chairs the board of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, a global leader in deep ocean science and technology, and she is deeply engaged in ocean conservation strategies through her work as vice chair of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. She served as a member of the Pew Oceans Commission, which published a blueprint for improving governance of America's ocean waters, and more recently served on the California Parks Forward Commission to develop a sustainable path for California’s state parks.
Packard was the 1998 recipient of the Audubon Medal for Conservation. In 2009, she was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the nation’s most prestigious honor society, and was named a California Coastal Hero. In 2010, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in recognition of her “tireless career commitment to marine conservation.”
In a 2018 interview, she credited her UC Santa Cruz education as the foundation that sparked her lifelong commitment to scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.
“I am hugely grateful for the opportunities UC Santa Cruz gave me as an undergraduate to spend time with top research scientists and be able to do science, not just hear about it," she said.
Learn more about Packard and her lifelong commitment to conservation below.
Packard was also awarded the 2024 UC Santa Cruz Foundation Medal by UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Larive.
