The Okie family of Georgetown, Del., has left a legacy to the University that supports their interest in Delaware's historic past and in the conservation of the state's natural resources.

These contributions grew from a desire to honor the memory of Marian Okie (1958–1982), the only grandchild of Isabel Faucett Okie (1905-1997). Marian was also the only child of Isabel's only child, Austin "Pete" Okie. A graduate of Oldfields School in Maryland, Marian had attended the University of Delaware's Parallel Program in Georgetown.

Remembering Marian's love of the shore and beaches of Sussex County, Del., her grandmother established the Marian R. Okie Fellowship in the College of Marine Studies.

"The Okie fellowships have helped make it possible to attract the best and brightest students to the College of Marine Studies and are critical to the success of our students," Carolyn Thoroughgood, dean of the college, said.

In addition to the lifetime gifts she made, Isabel Okie also included the University in a number of ways as a part of her estate and financial plans. Following the establishment of the Marian R. Okie Fellowship in Marine Studies in 1987, Mrs. Okie added a provision to her estate plan that would one day enlarge this endowment substantially. She also created a special type of charitable trust that would pass income to her son, Pete, and then ultimately be distributed in large part to the University of Delaware to endow the Austin F. Okie Endowment in Archaeology as well as the Isabel F. Okie Endowment for Historic Architecture and Engineering. When received, this trust gift will also create the Marian Okie Professorship in Marine Studies.

Pete Okie has continued the family tradition of philanthropy and contributes regularly to the anthropology department to support archaeology projects, such as those directed by Jay Custer, professor of anthropology, and to historic architecture projects such as those directed by Bernard Herman, Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Professor of Art History.

Not only does Pete Okie contribute financially to the research projects, he also takes a personal interest in them. He recently visited the research site supported by his annual gifts to archaeology and met the undergraduate student involved in the research, Brandon Beis, AS 2000.

"I admire what Jay Custer is doing in terms of studying and preserving Delaware's past," Okie said.

"One of the University of Delaware's strengths is involving students in research," Custer said. "Pete's funding has made it possible for students to get firsthand experience in archaeology."

Two generations of the Okie family have created a lasting legacy at the University. Though their generosity, talented students and dedicated faculty in marine studies, archaeology and historic architecture will receive valuable support for years to come.