Jane Lubchenco, former Under Secretary of Commerce for the National Oceans and Atmosphere Administration and Kathryn Sullivan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator received the 2013 the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence for their commitment to stewardship of freshwater.

Stroud Water Research Center presented the award at The Water's Edge, the Center’s annual gala at Longwood Gardens in the suburbs of Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, October 15.

This prestigious award, also known as the SAFE Water Award, is awarded for outstanding achievement to those who contribute broadly to the conservation and protection of freshwater. A unique crystal vase designed by Simon Pearce accompanies the award. Past recipients have included John Briscoe, Ph.D., in 2012, and Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling in 2011.

Center Director Bern Sweeney, Ph.D., and Board Chairman Rod Moorhead presented the award to Dr. Lubchenco, who also accepted on behalf of Dr. Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan was unable to attend due to the federal government shutdown.

Upon accepting the award, Dr. Lubchenco said, “Science is critical, but it’s not sufficient. Clear communication of scientific results is really important and so too are relationships, funders, diplomacy, and changing incentives. With the right combination of people and events, we can achieve sustainable solutions. I think, collectively, until we solve the problems that are going on in D.C., much of the action is going to be at the local and state levels.”

For more information, visit the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence webpage.

10/21/2013