These awards recognize educational institutions, individuals, groups, or agencies that have made significant contributions to increase public awareness of water resources development, use, or management covering any one or a combination of the natural, biological, and social sciences.
Eligible Activities
Nominations will be accepted for two categories. The first category recognizes exceptional individual or group efforts in education and public outreach in water resources at UCOWR institutions. The second category recognizes programs or activities by institutions or individuals that are not members of UCOWR. Contributions should be of regional if not national scope, and may have private or public sponsorship. Activities may focus on primary or secondary schools, youth programs that encourage awareness of water resources, the media, or legislative or other public forums.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations are accepted from UCOWR delegates. The nomination letter should be no more than two pages in length, plus supporting materials. The nomination must describe the programs or activities, the audience to which they were targeted, and the nominee’s role in their success. The nomination shall describe the influence of the activity in terms of size and characteristics of the affected audience, research, and educational funding involved, legal or institutional changes influenced, and publications. The nomination must include contact information for the nominee or a representative of the nominated organization.
Deadline
Nomination materials must be submitted by email to ucowr@siu.edu no later than November 1, 2024.
Review Process
Nominations are reviewed by a committee which will submit a recommendation to the Board of Directors. No more than two awards will be given in any year. The committee may choose not to give out awards in any year.
Award
Each award shall consist of a certificate, along with a letter of commendation. Recipients will be invited to receive their award Wednesday, June 4, at the 2025 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference Awards Luncheon, scheduled for June 3 – June 5, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN, at the Graduate Hotel.
