WRA's 41st Annual

AWARDS GALA

When:

September 12, 2024
5:00 – 9:00 PM

Where:

The Grand Pavilion
640 Waterworks Dr
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Hosted By:

Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin
Co-Hosts: Helene Gregory and Dennis Palmer
MC: Carla Reid

Award Recipients

The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin’s 41st Awards Gala honors individuals and organizations that have made an indelible mark on the Delaware River Basin and beyond through their vision, innovation and leadership.

SAMUEL S BAXTER MEMORIAL AWARD

Steven Tambini, P.E.

For over 40 years of distinguished service and leadership in water resources, promoting and personifying technical excellence, integrity, collaboration and diplomacy in developing and implementing solutions to complex challenges in the Delaware River Basin.

LIFETIME ACIEVEMENT AWARD

Jan Bowers

For dedicated, visionary leadership that has advanced progressive policies and management of water resources in the Delaware River Basin.

Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award

Pocono Environmental Education Center

For a sustained commitment to providing inspired environmental education programs for students that drive home the importance of science, environmental protection, climate resiliency and stewardship in the Delaware River Basin.

Young leaders award

Alex Cupo, Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia

For his proactive leadership in addressing climate resiliency and water sustainability in the Delaware River Basin through the creation of collaborative networks that foster innovative solutions.

WRA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

City of Wilmington – 15th and Walnut CSO Separation, Green Infrastructure 

In recognition of their state-of-the-art green infrastructure designed collaboratively with multiple community interests to encourage people to enjoy the arts, experience the outdoors, and protect water quality.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Hopeworks & New Jersey American Water

For their critical role in connecting watershed residents in Camden and Philadelphia with the job skills, technical skills, and added support needed to be successful in water resources.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – Government Agency

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

For their commitment to promoting the health and welfare of the Lehigh Valley, recognizing that deep community collaboration is necessary to drive progress and to ensure that future generations have access to clean air and water.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – Research

Villanova University’s Department of Geography and the Environment, Lead Researcher Stephen T. Goldsmith, PhD, and Aqua America

For advancing science in support of innovative solutions for road de-icing to reduce impacts to stream ecosystems and drinking water sources.

JOHN L. BUZZI SCHOLARSHIP

Nolan Wilson, 2024 graduate of Appoquinimick High School, freshman at The University of Delaware, Marine Biology and Environmental Science

The scholarship recognizes Wilson’s outstanding academic achievements, passion for water resources and environmental science, and meaningful service to his community.  

Schedule

Thank you for being here to celebrate these awe inspiring individuals and organizations advancing innovative solutions to the Delaware River Basin’s sustainability challenges.

4:30 – 5:30 PM  |  VIP Reception (Engine House): Awardees, Board members, Annual Sponsors, Platinum & Gold Gala Sponsors, and event committee members

5:00-6:00 PM  | Cocktail Hour (Mill House Deck): Butlered hors d’oeuvres, Seafood Station, Open Bar

6:00-7:30 PM | Dinner (buffet)

7:15 – 8:30 PM  |  Awards Ceremony

Welcome: Jennifer Garigliano | WRA Board President

Awards presented by Carla A. Reid, former GM and CEO, WSSC Water

Award descriptions and biographies can be seen above.

Samuel S. Baxter Memorial Award:
Presented to: Steve Tambini 

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Presented to: Jan Bowers 

Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award:
Presented to: Pocono Environmental Center

Young Leaders Award:
Presented to: Alex Cupo, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

WRA Achievement Award:
Presented to: City of Wilmington– 15th and Walnut CSO Separation, Green Infrastructure

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Business and Industry:
Presented to: Hopeworks & New Jersey American Water

Accepted By: Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks and Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Government Agency:
Presented to: The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for their Priority Climate Action Plan

Accepted by: Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Executive Director and Susan Myerov, AICP, Director of Environmental Planning on behalf the LVPC 

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Research:
Presented to: Villanova University’s GEV and Aqua Pennsylvania – Freshwater Salinization Syndrome in Southeast PA Watersheds 

Accepted by: Dr. Steven Goldsmith, Marissa Rossi Cassell, and Krista Seng

7:30 PM  |  Silent Auction closes

8:15-9:00 PM  |  Coffee and Dessert

A special thanks to our team: 

Young Leaders Co-Chairs
Suzanne Newman
Melissa Marchisello
Matthew J Marchisello
Torin M. Johnson
 
Silent Auction Co-Chairs
Courtney Obregon
Michael Rockel
Lauren Howard
 
Wine Pull Co-Chairs
Abdullah Al-Amin
Ben Deatrich
Josh Ferguson
 
Event Planner
Renee Patrone Rhinehart, Events by Renee

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

Annual Platinum sponsor

Platinum SponsorS

Annual Gold Sponsor

Annual Silver Sponsors

Gold Event Sponsors

Silver Event Sponsors

Bronze Event Sponsors

Cocktail Sponsors

PartneRS

Friends of WRA

POST USING #waterislife

Be sure to tag @cats2atlantic to share your moments and memories

Check back after the event for photography from the evening, captured by Noelle Andrews