The Joys of the Sea Committee is very pleased to announce that Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim have been selected as the winners of the 2023 Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award! This award recognizes individuals whose work honors the legacy of Waterspirit’s founder, Suzanne Golas, CSJP. Suzanne is an innovator in the field of spiritual ecology. Drawing on her deep love for the ocean, she founded Waterspirit in 1998 to promote awareness of sacredness of water and the importance of equitable access to clean, safe water for everyone. Awardees are recognized at Waterspirit’s annual benefit, Joys of the Sea.
Mary Evelyn Tucker is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University where she has appointments in the School of the Environment as well as the Divinity School and the Department of Religious Studies. She teaches in the joint MA program in religion and ecology and directs the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale with her husband, John Grim. John Grim is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale School of the Environment, Yale Divinity School, and Religious Studies Department. He co-directs the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. They have both widely published and spoken on the subject of religion and ecology, and many consider them to be founders of the field. They are retiring this year at the end of a very long a successful teaching career. Mary Evelyn and John were both direct students of Thomas Berry and are caretakers of his legacy. They are authors and co-producers of Journey of the Universe, and John is president of the American Teilhard Association.
The award committee was deeply impressed by their illustrious careers in the field of religion and ecology. They have opened doors that make articulating the importance of spirituality in environmental work both easier and more urgent. Their public scholarship, including the Journey of the Universe and Awakening Universe films, have inspired Waterspirit’s work for many years. The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology is a precious resource and node of connection. The committee is delighted to present them with this award as they transition away from classroom teaching and into new projects and adventures.
Recipients of the Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award are recognized at Waterspirit’s annual gala, Joys of the Sea. This event will be held on Saturday, June 10 from 2-5 p.m. in the Oak Grove at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson (4 E. River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760). Joys of the Sea is a fundraising event that will include community-building conversations, sustainably-sourced food, and a silent auction. Tickets will go on sale in April. Sign up for Waterspirit’s weekly mailers (form at bottom of page) to be notified when ticketing opens.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominees for consideration.
