On Wednesday, November 13, the Evan R. Liblit Scholarship winners were formally announced at our annual Liblit Fundraiser/Scholarship Breakfast held at the Irish Coffee Pub in East Islip. This year marks the 22nd year of the Liblit Scholarship Fund. Our two undergraduate scholars are Laura Osa (Advisor Donna Selch) and Kyle Walter (Advisor Maria Brown). Our graduate scholar is John Bohorquez (Advisors Ellen Pikitch and Anthony Dvarskas). All three Liblit Scholars spoke impressively about their research to the audience of some 75 attendees.
Michael Cahill, Chair of the Liblit Steering Committee, officiated at the Breakfast. He is an adjunct professor who teaches Environmental Law in various environmental programs in SoMAS. Dean Paul Shepson welcoming remarks discussed the importance of the Liblit Scholarships to our School.
Dr. Rebecca Grella at the Liblit Breakfast
The Liblit Steering Committee recognizes organizations or individuals who have contributed significantly to waste management and the environment with Environmental Stewardship awards and two were awarded this year. Dr. Rebecca Grella was recognized for her outstanding mentoring of underserved students at Brentwood HIgh School, helping them conduct research across Long Island, including at our Flax Pond Marine Laboratory. Her students have become finalists and semi-finalists in the Siemens and Regeneron national science competitions and she has helped students get over $15M in scholarships to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.
Kevin McDonald accepted the second Environmental Stewardship Award on behalf of The Nature Conservancy for its continuing efforts to improve the quality of our surface and ground water, specifically working to reduce nitrogen inputs. Carl LoBue of the Nature Conservancy and a SoMAS alum delivered the keynote address.
Eric Swenson, a long-time member of the Liblit Steering Committee, was recognized for his continuing efforts on behalf of the Liblit Scholarship Fund. He has had long-term interactions with environmental and waste management groups in Oyster Bay, Nassau County, and New York State.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
Photos from the event are available on this Google Photos album.
Carl LoBue at the Liblit Breakfast
