Inspiring young students to pursue careers in the sciences: this is what drives the Molina family as part of its long history of dedication to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Dr. Faustino Bernadett, along with his wife Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett and other family members, serves as a trustee on the Long Beach Aquarium Board.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium situated on five acres on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach – Southern California’s largest aquarium and the fourth most-frequented aquarium in the nation. Its mission is to educate the public about the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and vital ecosystems, displaying 12,000 animals in more than 100 exhibits. It hosts 1.7 million visitors each year, offering educational programs, hands-on activities, and lectures by leading scientists.
A Shared Passion for the Ocean, Conservation, and Education
Dr. Faustino Bernadett is a long-time board member and supporter, alongside his wife and her family. In fact, the Aquarium of the Pacific honored the Molina Family and Molina Healthcare, Inc. with the 2011 Ocean Conservation Award, given each year to those who have contributed significantly to ocean conservation and environmental education.
Molina Healthcare and the Molina Family contributed $2 million to assist with establishing the Molina Animal Care Center, which opened in 2010. Dr. J. Mario Molina served as chairman of the Aquarium’s Board of Directors until 2010, and John Molina currently serves as the Board’s vice chairman. In addition, Dr. Faustino Bernadett and Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett and other Molina siblings all serve as Trustees of the Pacific or provide additional support.
Thanks to the Molina family and Molina Healthcare, who donated $2 million to establish the Animal Care Center at the Aquarium, millions of guests can witness veterinary science in action through observation and interaction with the hopes of inspiring them to pursue a career in the sciences.
A History of Community Caring
Dr. Faustino “Tino” Bernadett’s passion for education began as a young boy when he learned under his father what it meant to serve the underprivileged. His father ran a successful practice as the only Spanish-speaking family doctor in Chico, California. That dedication to service, education, and learning has been deeply instilled in Tino, with rippling effects through both Tino’s family and his wife’s. This legacy will live on with the Aquarium of the Pacific’s conservation and education initiatives.