Outside of their generous bequest, Christman and Palmer also support other important SMSP initiatives. In 2018, the couple considered establishing a scholarship for graduate students, but were inspired to support faculty research instead when they learned about Jonathan Cohen, professor of marine science.  

When Cohen first came to UD in 2011, Chuck Epifanio, a now-retired professor and former associate dean, helped Cohen acclimate and was an invaluable research collaborator. Epifanio was also a key part of Christman and Palmer’s UD experiences, serving as Christman’s advisor and on Palmer’s dissertation committee. 

The couple were also excited to learn about the shared connection and the similarities between Cohen and Epifanio’s work. And as a bonus, Cohen’s research in Arctic environments paralleled work Christman had done with Arctic fisheries. 

“It was a good decision to donate some seed money to him so that he could get some research under his belt that would support him in applying for grants,” Christman said. “Our money would multiply and support graduate students at the same time, because when he would get a grant, he would be able to support a student.”

Thanks to Christman and Palmer’s support, Cohen was able to purchase equipment that expanded research capabilities, particularly surrounding microplastics, and provided hands-on experiences for students. The strides Cohen and his graduate students made quickly led to additional funding from state and federal grants. 

In the years since, Cohen’s research program has expanded and innovated even further, which he attributes in large part to Christman and Palmer’s initial support.

“It's opened up new research areas,” Cohen said. “It's been incredibly gratifying to feel that there are people who are interested in the science and the University, and particularly the Lewes campus. It’s made me think about ways that I can support my own students to create people with the kinds of connections to the University that Mary and Bob have.” 

As Christman and Palmer learned more about the research taking place at SMSP, they were eager to find additional ways to support their alma mater. Over the past few years, the couple has also provided funding for vital equipment in the lab and aboard research vessels.

The additional equipment allows students to train in cutting-edge techniques and apply their knowledge through hands-on research with faculty.  

“Mary and Bob have already touched many people with their gifts of scientific equipment to SMSP,” Cohen said. “Students and even some faculty don’t necessarily know where this equipment came from. The fact that they supported us in this way is so important to our research and teaching, and it's going to last for years.”

The abundance of fond memories Christman and Palmer have of UD have made giving back an easy choice—hours spent looking through microscopes in the lab, meeting and falling in love, a New Year’s party and makeshift ball drop in downtown Lewes spearheaded by Epifanio. 

When the time came to update their will, ensuring the University was supported was a priority. 

“When we first did the will probably 10 years ago, we had Delaware in there, but at a much lower level,” Palmer said. “You adjust these things as time goes on. As we got to know some of the newer programs and people and Mary and I continued to talk about it, we increased the share in our will that would go to University of Delaware.” 

There’s something else that drives the couple’s generosity, too: hope for a brighter future. Christman and Palmer are passionate about science and protecting the delicate balance of nature. And by including the University in their will and joining the Carillon Circle and Founders Society, they’ve ensured their legacy and passion will be felt by Blue Hens for generations to come.

“Being able to support future scientists is important to both of us,” Christman said. “Our fund will grow over time and support those scientists who hopefully will see to it that we don’t totally destroy our world.”