JIM COPELAND
Jim Copeland, owner of Copeland's dive shop in Corpus
Christi, has been a pioneer of the Gulf of Mexico by spreading his
enthusiasm for scuba diving to others. He not only opened one of the
first dive shops in Texas, but he also helped establish the first scuba
diving certification programs in the United States. Over the past 15
years, he has supported Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's coral
reef education program through financial donations, diver training, and
assistance with dive equipment for the Center for Coastal Studies
research expeditions to the Mexican Caribbean. After being in operation
for 52 years, Copeland's dive shop is Texas' oldest dive shop and Jim
Copeland has emerged as one of the dive industry's most successful and
experienced instructors.
HARLEY MOODY
Harley Moody captured the essence of the coral reefs through his vibrant underwater images. He indulged his passion for underwater photography only after earning degrees in math, physics, biology and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Although he first learned to dive in 1962, he took a
refresher dive course in 1995, which sparked a renewed interest in coral reef ecology. Equipped with a Nikonos underwater camera, he captured many images while assisting with Dr. Wes Tunnell's research trips to the Mexican Caribbean. Many of his photographs are now prominently displayed throughout the University, particularly in the work areas of the Harte Research Institute.