Tom Garrison

Tom Garrison (November 10, 1942 – February 24, 2016) was an American marine scientist, retired naval officer, author, science communicator, and a distinguished professor emeritus of marine science at Orange Coast College (OCC).

He authored 15 textbooks, most notably ''Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science'', one of the most widely used marine science textbooks in the world. He also was active in popular science communication, writing for publications such as ''National Geographic'', writing the Emmy Award-winning PBS show ''Oceanus'', and serving as a columnist for ''Oceanography''.

During his tenure at OCC, Garrison was awarded the Pacific Regional Faculty Award by the Association of Community College Trustees, the Excellence in College Teaching Award by the Salgo-Noren Foundation, Outstanding Marine Educator by the National Marine Technology Society, and OCC's Faculty Member of the Year.

Garrison was the first distinguished professor at OCC and the school named their facilities for honors students after him, a program which he co-founded. Each year, the honors faculty awards a few students with a fellowship in his name. He taught at OCC for 42 years and also taught at the University of Southern California as an adjunct professor. Provided by Wikipedia