On May 25, 2005, Dowling College hosted its 9th Annual Symposium on the South Shore Estuary. More than 50 colorful posters were displayed throughout Dowling's Fortunoff Hall Ballroom and Hunt Room as part of the High School Environmental Science Poster Competition. The day-long event featured the science poster competition, informative workshops, an art and photography exhibit and an awards ceremony. Dr. Joel L. Cracraft, Curator-in-Charge, Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History, and Immediate Past President of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, delivered the keynote address.

This event was held in memory of Dr. Stephen J. Shafer, a beloved member of the Dowling College community who passed away on Sept. 14, 2004. Dr. Shafer taught Biology and Natural Sciences at Dowling for 34 years.