2008 SEAKEEPER AWARD WINNER - Bernie Marcus

Bernard Marcus co-founded The Home Depot, Inc., the world’s largest home improvement retailer.  His company revolutionized the home improvement business with its warehouse concept.  He served as chairman of the board until his retirement in 2002 and remains director emeritus.

Now a philanthropist and public servant of the highest caliber, Bernie channels his giving through The Marcus Foundation, supporting myriad meaningful causes and organizations.  Perhaps the centerpiece of the Bernie Marcus legacy is the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world.  Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the $290 million dollar attraction is his gift to the people of Georgia and the associates, customers, and shareholders of The Home Depot.  The Aquarium enhances the Georgia tourism offerings and provides local residents with a world-class entertainment attraction. With a total of 550,000 square feet and 8 million gallons of water, it houses more than 125,000 animals, including four whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. The Georgia Aquarium’s 4R Program is designed to positively impact the health and well-being of aquatic life from around the world.  

Approximately 6 million guests have visited the Aquarium since its opening in 2005; more than 100,000 schoolchildren have studied in its “Learning Loop,” and 800 events have been held in its 16,400 square foot Oceans Ballroom. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibitions and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging and entertaining visitors' experiences, and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. While promoting a fun and entertaining learning experience, the Aquarium instills in guests a new appreciation for the oceans and their inhabitants.

Through his work with the Georgia Aquarium, Marcus has supported marine and freshwater conservation in Georgia and around the world.  In 2006, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation honored Bernie Marcus with its Stewardship Award.

“The Georgia Aquarium brings the treasures of our rivers, seas and oceans to the people of Georgia, particularly the children, instilling in them a tradition of stewardship for generations to come,” says Marcus.