Jean Beasley, founder and director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Hospital, will be recognized by the University of North Carolina Wilmington as an Albert Schweitzer Honors Scholar at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 in King Hall Auditorium.
This award is given annually by UNC Wilmington's Honors Scholars Program and Randall Library to a person from the Cape Fear area who exemplifies the attributes or interests of Albert Schweitzer. Each scholar delivers a lecture to the freshman honors seminar and is recognized for his or her contributions to the region at the annual program and following reception.
Beasley founded the rehabilitation center in 1997 in memory of her daughter's efforts to assure the survival of sea turtles. Her around the clock dedication to saving turtles, as well as the work of the center's volunteer staff, has brought international attention to the uncertain future sea turtles face. In 2007, she was named by Animal Planet network as its Hero of the Year.
A lifelong educator, Beasley has developed an extensive program to involve people of all ages. Thousands visit the facility each year to see the turtles, hear the stories of how they have been injured and rescued and learn what they can do to help. The center's all-volunteer group receives no state or federal funding and operates on a modest budget from donations. Still, the center rehabilitates and releases 12 to 20 turtles each year.
The Albert Schweitzer Honors Scholars program is the legacy of the Albert Schweitzer International Prizes. From 1973 to 1993, these prizes were awarded to recognize individuals who made significant contributions in the areas of music, medicine or the humanities; areas that exemplify the interests and contributions of Albert Schweitzer. Schweitzer Honors Scholars are chosen by students and faculty in the Honors Program based on their contributions in one of these areas.
Related links:
http://www.seaturtlehospital.org/
http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/hero_of_the_year/nominees/2007/winner.html
Media contacts:
Kate Bruce, director, Honors Scholars Program, 910.962.4181 or bruce@uncw.edu
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu
