The creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” and his wife gifted $135,000 to Humboldt State University. Stephen and Karen Hillenburg used the money to create the Stephen Hillenburg Marine Science Research Award Endowment fund earlier this year.

The fund will be used to grant awards for students doing research with faculty in the marine sciences, according to Rick Zechman, the associate dean of the College of Natural Resources & Sciences at Humboldt State University.

“We’re very grateful to the Hillenburgs for providing a valuable and exciting opportunity,” Zechman said. “We live near a pristine marine environment,” he added, “it’s safe to say it will provide a significant opportunity for students to go far beyond what they may ordinarily be able to do without this gift.”

Stephen Hillenburg is an alumni of HSU and reflects fondly about his time here, according to Zechman. Likewise, Zechman said, “the university shares a sense of pride that he’s an alum and is proud of his accomplishments.”

According to an HSU press release, Stephen Hillenburg furthered both his knowledge of marine biology and his talent as an artist while he attended HSU. The creation of SpongeBob SquarePants was a natural convergence of Hillenburg’s passion for art and all things ocean.

This isn’t the first time the Hillenburgs have contributed to the marine sciences at HSU, according to Zechman. Zechman said the Hillenburgs previously provided support for the marine aquarium and the public exhibit at the Telonicher Marine Laboratory.

Stephen Bagley, associate director of Donor Outreach and Stewardship, said the Hillenburgs are “an incredibly generous couple who really care about nature, the ocean, and want to protect them.”

Bagley added the endowment is “a beautiful way to tip their hat to HSU. It shows they trust that we’re educating students in the marine sciences in a way that will impact the future.”

Maria Forrest, the philanthropy advisor for the College of Natural Resources & Sciences at Humboldt State University, said students could start receiving awards from the fund by next year.