10
0 00Years of
WALTER
MUNK
As the world ’ s greatest oceanographer hits a century , a look back at our oldest living alumnus , and possibly the most interesting man on Earth .
By AnnaMaria Stephens ’ 97
CURIOSITY AND DISCOVERY go hand in hand , especially when it comes to science . Whether in the lab or deep in the field , it takes a profound sense of wonder and relentless spirit of adventure to methodically seek answers to our vast and mysterious world .
At nearly 100 years old , Walter Munk , PhD ’ 47 has completely embraced this spirit of adventure . He has spent eight decades at Scripps Institution of Oceanography , first as one of its original graduate students , then a highly distinguished researcher and professor .
Munk is a living legend whose big , bold ideas have advanced ocean sciences immeasurably . And along the way , he ’ s braved treacherous seas , radioactive rain and the ever-present threat of epic failure , all in the name of scientific exploration . Even now , as he ’ s about to hit the century mark , his curiosity isn ’ t even close to being satisfied .
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TRITON | FALL 2017