: A standing-room-only crowd filled McHugh Auditorium for the 2009 VIMS Awards Ceremony.

Years of Service Awards: A number of VIMS employees were recognized with "Years of Service" awards during the 2009 VIMS Awards Ceremony. From L: Ellen Travelstead (30 years) Dennis Bunting (30 years), Richard White (30 years), Ruth Hershner (30 years), Ken Moore (35 years), and Maxzine Lewis (30 years).

: Award committee members Anna Fisher (L) and Rochelle Seitz (R) prepare to bestow gifts and certificates on 2008 award recipients.

: VIMS Dean and Director John Wells (L) presents the Robert M. Freeman Volunteer of the Year Award to Mr. Jim Price.

Freeman Volunteer of the Year Award: VIMS Dean and Director John Wells (R) with Mr. Jim Price, recipient of the 2008 Robert M. Freeman Volunteer of the Year Award.

Craig L. Smith Memorial Scholarship: Ph.D. student Yongjin Xiao (R) with faculty advisor Marjy Friedrichs. Xiao received the Craig L. Smith Memorial Scholarship in recognition of distinguished academic acheivement.

Kelley Watson Fellowship: Kristina Hill (C) was awarded the Kelley Watson Fellowship for academic excellence, leadership, and exceptional performance during the first-year graduate core courses. Joining her are faculty advisors Gene Burreson (L) and Kim Reece (R).

Zeigler Student Achievement Award: Charles (Chip) Cotton (C) with faculty advisors Jack Musick (L) and Tracey Sutton (R). Cotton received the John M. & Marilyn Zeigler Student Achievement Award in recognition of scholarship, leadership, research initiative, outstanding publications, and exceptional thesis or dissertation work.

Hargis Fellowship Award: Ph.D. student Matthew Whalen (R) with faculty advisor Emmet Duffy. Whalen received the William J. Hargis Jr. Fellowship Award in recognition of superior academic performance and exceptional promise in marine research by a first-year student.

Matthew Fontaine Maury Fellowship Award: Heidi Geisz (C) with faculty advisor Rebecca Dickhut (R) and Dr. Matthew Fontaine Maury Hutcheson (L). Geisz received the Matthew Fontaine Maury Fellowship Award in recognition of interdisciplinary achievements in marine scholarship, research, and/or policy efforts, and outstanding publications and dissertation work.

Facilities/Safety/Trades Award: Ms. Becky Kearns, pictured with VIMS Dean and Director John Wells, recieved the Outstanding Classified Employee in Facilities/Safety/Trades during the VIMS Awards Ceremony on May 9th. Kearns was recognized for her efforts to provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable working environment for staff in Chesapeake Bay Hall.

Technical Support Award: Research Coordinator Karen Hudson (L) and Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Director (ABC) Stan Allen. Hudson was recognized with the Outstanding Classified Employee award for Technical Support for her exceptional performance in the oyster aquaculture program at VIMS.

Administrative Support Award: Ms. Diane Perry, pictured with VIMS Dean and Director John Wells, received the Outstanding Classified Employee in Administrative Support during the VIMS Awards Ceremony on May 9th. Perry was recognized for her 20-years of exemplary service as Executive Secretary in the Office of the Director for Research and Advisory Service.

Faculty Awards: Professors Bob Diaz (L) and Debbie Bronk (R) were recipients of the two faculty awards bestowed each year duing the VIMS Awards Ceremony by VIMS Dean adn Director John Wells (C). Diaz, a world-renowned marine ecologist, received the Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award. His studies have focused the world’s attention on the growing problems of low-oxygen marine "dead zones." Bronk received the Dean’s Prize for the Advancement of Women in Marine Science. Bronk, an internationally known expert on marine nitrogen, is herself a highly successful woman scientist as well as a supportive mentor and educator.