Obama Honors SCA Founder

Dear Elizabeth,
You are truly a hero, that will always be admired! Thank you for everything you have done towards helping the earth's resources as well as allowing others to accompany you in doing so! Congratulations!

Hello Liz,

Congratulations on receiving the Citizens' Medal from President Obama. You are an inspiration to so many people. You represent what it really means to "giving back" to the community. I am extremely proud of being a member of the SCA Family. Awesome!

Paul Meredith

Dear Liz,

It's folks like you who inspire people like me to believe that dreams and visions are always within reach. Congratulations on the presidential honors bestowed upon you! I am sure that this recognition is a great honor, and I also sense that the tremendous success the SCA has had since its founding has been thanks enough. Through the ups and downs in every service, I have grown as an individual. I can surely say that the SCA has changed me by filling my heart with the spirit of conservation and satiating my eyes with the wild beauty of nature. That is, nature in the state which it was meant to be. Thanks for doing what you do best, and once again, congratulations!!

Tatiana Q.

SCA is a great help to students exploring environmental sciences and related careers. Thanks for your inspiration!

Wow, all I can say is thank you thank you thank you! Without you, I would not be a new SCA and DRC participant! Thank you for your amazing contributions...you are impacting and shaping many lives, including mine!

On behalf of Jason, Hannah and all of the other members here in the Hudson Valley, thank you for inspiring us all. You make every moment something to celebrate. With Love, Kathy

On behalf of Jason, Hannah and all of the other members here in the Hudson Valley, thank you for inspiring us all. You make every moment something to celebrate. With Love, Kathy

It's been 45 years since you sent me a letter saying that you had an idea and invited me to be one small part of your vision. The sense of pride you must feel, not only in yourself but through the thousands of other young people who have answered the call since then, must be overwhelming. In receiving this monumental award from our nation, you have ignited the pride in all who participated in your dream and passionate embrace of the land.

I can only imagine the sense of joy you must have experienced during your moment at the White House. Know that you deserve every glorious ounce of it!

Submitted by Patty Bacon
Dear Liz, we are so tremendously proud of you for all you've done and continue to do. An inspiration to so many - a terrific honor so well-deserved!

Liz, the joy on your face in the White House photos certainly reflects the joy and pride we at SCA have for you. Congratulations!

Liz, this is a national honor for an organization that has always spanned borders--state borders, cultural borders, and the borders of what was possible. From the beginning you pushed for youth working in public lands from coast to coast, women working alongside men, and offering anyone a fair shot to participate in the American outdoors. We are great beneficiaries of your dream out here on the West Coast, and your legacy lives on and on...Thank you. Georgia

Thank you to everyone who has sent me congratulations and good wishes! WOW! I am truly overwhelmed and deeply moved by your comments (and a bit “leaky” I might add!!) Needless to say, receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal on August 5th from President Obama counts among the most extraordinary experiences of my life. I personally feel that this Medal truly recognizes SCA, and every person who, through the past 56 years, has helped – in one way or another – to make this organization what it is today. That list includes the incredible Staff, the Board of Directors, the partners, the participants, the alumni, the donors –friends of SCA, - everyone – because it is through faith in an idea and teamwork that great things take place. I feel so fortunate to be on SCA’s team! Thank you for joining in as we all celebrate SCA – its past and present – and look toward its future. Thank you all for your wonderfully dear, thoughtful and beautiful messages –they mean more than I can ever express. I only wish I could write to each and everyone of you a personal note, but unfortunately at this point that is not possible! However, I thank you from the bottom of my heart –not only for thinking of me but for all that you are doing in your own lives to help inspire others to make a positive difference with their lives. Best wishes to all, Liz

Liz, you truly embody your alma mater's mission to have its graduates shape a changing world. Your work has been and continues to be an inspiration to all of us here at Miss Porter's School. Congratulations on this well deserved honor. Your exceptional vision and unwavering dedication have motivated countless people to work to protect and preserve our natural resources. Thank you!

How well-deserved this honor which has given so many young people a life long appreciation of our natural environment. I recall your explaining your idea for this program while we were in college. You've made a wonderful impact on the lives of young people and the environment.

Congratulations Liz, what an amazing way to celebrate the dedication and commitment you have to our environment and to our youth. You are a true inspiration to everyone who aspires to make a difference in this world – Bravo!

Liz- Once again, you are paving the way for young and old alike..you just never stop, do you?! Like so many others, SCA changed my life, and we will be forever grateful for you and your vision that created it. Thank you for continuing to inspire us to do more. We so much enjoyed your visit this spring, and warmly welcome you back to Saguaro National Park and Tucson any time--the coffee pot is always on!

Dear Liz,

Congratulations on the great honor you have
received. You continue to Make a Difference
and your Vassar classmates are proud of you.
Your conservation efforts have had a real im-
pact on our world and are helping to preserve
our beautiful parks and natural wonderlands
for future generations.

Lillian Jasko

Congratulations on your award Liz. Its about time you get recognized for everything you have done for our national parks. I was on a crew in Alaska when I found out about your great honor. Way to Go!

I could fill up a room with my joy and deep emotion! During my employment with SCA knowing you, learning about your life, and having you as my mentor was a huge part of my experience while there. And, you have continued to be my "shero"(!) - You are remarkable, inspiring, brilliant, and then some. The world is a much better place because of your work and contributions. You are a legend and I love you! P.S. For anyone interested, check out this interview with Liz (2004) for Women in Natural Resources: http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/winr/titusintvw.htm (I'm lucky for this experience and will always keep you close to my heart - thanks for everything).

Liz:

This wonderful news of your award is such a boost to you, to the cause, and to us all--and it comes as welcome counterpoint to a difficult time for so many, in so many ways. Congratulations to you--and kudos to President Obama and his people for recognizing your vision and your persistence. So many of us owe so much to your good work. I'm delighted for you.

my very best, Steve Trimble

Joe and I send our heartfelt congratulations. The results of your vision and perserverance have made a difference and our world is better because of your efforts. Thank you- we are proud to know you!
Connie Franklin

Glad the President finally got around to recognizing what the rest of us have known for a long time!

We are glad that Sarah found SCA and gave us a way to perpetuate her memory. Thank you for starting this superb organization!

Jack, Bette, Jeff, Kathy and all of the supporters of The Sarah McCarron Endowment at SCA

Liz you still continue to inspire me today as much as you did when I first met you as an SCA Corps Member. Your foresight will continue to pave the way for future generations of conservation leaders. Congratulations!

Congrats, Liz, on such a well deserved honor! Your vision, passion and achievements through all these years have inspired me and so many others. We are so very proud to be associated with you and SCA!

All the best,
Jack Chin

Your work has helped so many students and you join the likes of Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold by inspiring conservationists all across the US and world. It was a pleasure to meet with you at Merck Forest as an SCA volunteer in 1984, and a pleasure to read of your lifetime recognition - Salud!

Congratulations Liz! A shining example of the possibilities if only one puts their heart and hands to action! It has been an honor to work for SCA...

Joe and I send you heartfelt congratulations. You have made a difference! The world is a better place as a result of your vision and perserverance. We are proud to know you. Thank you.
Connie Franklin

Congratulations, Liz. Did you ever imagine in your senior year at Vassar that this organization that was just a gleam in your eye would become such an important force in conservation? Well, it has, and it certainly wouldn't have had it not been for your foresight, vision, and energy all these years. Keep it up!

Congratulations! What a multitude of achievements and how fortunate America and our National Parks are that you are holding them up! Bea

What can I say that has not already been said?
You are an awe inspiring role model. It is an honor to work in the organization that is your brain child.

Congratulations!

Dear Liz
How absoultely wonderful and moving to see this video and watch you recognized for all you have done for conservation. I love SCA and any association I have had with it personally and professionally. Thank you for founding, nurturing and inspiring a unique organization. Seeing SCA on a job applicant's resume always moves him or her to the top of the pile!
How very nice to have this happen and congratulations.

Sincerely, Diane Wood (former board member for a short while, long ago when I became too ill to finish my term.)

Liz - don't you dare for a minute think that the Atlantic Ocean and six years are gonna stop all the Ushers from sending a healthy "hip-hip hooray"! You've been a first on so many occasions, but I'm sure this one must have felt different. So, what's next???? Love from Tony, Karen and Christopher

Liz,

It was great to see you in Colorado after having heard and read about your wonderful work for years. This White House honor was well deserved to say the least--keep up the good works!

... but have also profoundly touched the lives of so many young people over the years. I had the honor of meeting and chatting with you 28 years ago at Merk Forest in Vermont (THANKS FOR THE WATERMELON!!!).

I went on to become a Marine Biologist and in 1997, working for the Louisiana Governor's Office, I coordinated the drafting of Louisiana's rules for post-oil-spill natural resource damage assessments, which will likely influence the damages assessed against BP over the next couple of years.

Thank you for all you've done, and for who you are!

Marion Boulden

Liz,

As enormous as this honor is, it is dwarfed by the contributions you have made to 60,000 alumni, the conservation community, the country's public lands and the thousands of others whose lives you have touched. This recognition is just a small piece of evidence of the impact you have had over a lifetime. The rest of us have received the bigger honor, which is knowing you and benefiting from your great heart and work. It is such a joy to be able to walk in your shadow.

Steve

Best wishes from Lindsey, Janet and Phil Warren. We are so proud of you -- your leadership -- your long-term involvement with young people and the conservation of our national lands.

We also appreciate the strong support that Bruce has given through the years. It is so wonderful that our families love SCA as much as we do!

Congratulations Liz! Speaking not only for Frank and me, I must say your entire Vassar Class of 1955 is so very proud of what you have accomplished in the 55 years since we graduated from college. 2010 has become a spectacular year for you, your family and the SCA. All best wishes. Frannie Cohen-Knoerdel

Congratulations Liz. We are all very lucky to be following in the path you laid; and shoring it up with a water bar here, a retaining wall there, and nice bridge along the way! We couldn't tell if you had on the pin the kids made on Manchester Earth Day but with or with out the pin we know you are a SCA!
Sincerely,
Mike V.

Hi, Liz. Congratulations! 23 years ago almost to the day I was heading home from my SCA crew. Who knew I'd be sitting in an SCA office today (dreaming up ways to get back in the field)? Thanks so much for providing not just the inspiration but all the hard work behind it to mobilize your idea and powerfully impact so many people. --jillb

Finally people in the limelight that deserve to be there! Thanks for being an inspiration to not only the staff at SCA, but every person that has had contact with your organization. Enjoy the moment, you deserve it.

Randy

Congratulations Liz on this tremendous and well deserved honor. You are such an inspiration to so many and I am humbled by your incredible passion and dedication to our young people and our environment. Enjoy this special time!

The sincerest congratulations on receiving the Citizens Medal from President Obama!!! I could not imagine a world where SCA did not exist. I know that my relationship with nature would not have existed without my involvement in SCA. Thank you for inspiring generation after generation to become stewards of the land!

Best,
Christine M. Chung

Liz, I was thrilled to hear about your recognition with the Citizens Medal today! It's so appropriate. Your work with SCA--not only founding the organization, but helping to shepherd it through five decades of growth and societal changes--has been nothing short of inspiring. Professionally speaking, I am so grateful for the work that SCA has done, in partnership with Mount Rainier National Park, to provide youth internship opportunities, career experiences, and more recently, volunteer recruitment and community outreach. We've been able to engage people in active stewardship in truly meaningful ways. I can think of no better testimony for the power of what you've accomplished. Thank you for your hard work, your inspiration, and your ongoing example!

Liz, I am so happy that you received this honor, knowing that you stood up for our nation's precious natural and cultural treasures, and the thousands of lucky young people who have worked and lived on them. Thank you for your perseverance and great spirit. Karen Blaney, SCA staff 1999-2004

Dear Liz,
Just got an e-mail from daughter Johanna in SF who said she watched you accept this well deserved award..I am thrilled to hear this news--you've touched the lives of so many and, in this multigenerational SCA family, your influence and inspiration is broad and deep...Here's to you special lady!!

Liz,

Congratulations on such a prestigious award. What you have done is deserving of such high recognition. Who you are is deserving of even more.

Thank you.

Liz,
How wonderful! We all watched in the Great Room and were thrilled to see you get this well deserved honor. I am so very proud to be a part of what you started. Congratulations. Cynthia B.

Congratulations and thank you! Your idea and hard work started a movement that continues to gain strength and grow. As President Kennedy once said, "One person can make a difference and every person should try." You've made a difference to so many people, Liz! Looking forward to seeing you in Charlestown soon. -Mim Easton

Liz -
Congratulations for the much-deserved recognition you are receiving today. Your belief in young people and the change they can create resonates so very strongly with me. It's an honor to know you. Kim