Richard D. Morse Memorial Award Fund
Richard D. Morse Memorial Award
Pictured above, Rick enjoying one of his favorite places, the Adirondacks. (Photo provided)
The Adirondack Research Consortium has established an annual Award Fund in honor of Rick Morse. Rick was a colleague and friend with deep experience in environmental policy, a strong commitment to building more resilient communities, and a special place in his heart for the Adirondack Region. In addition to his work in crafting leading environmental policies for New York State, Rick was a gifted musician and ironman athlete.
Through the Fund, $500 awards are given annually to a student(s) who are studying at one of the colleges/universities with connection to the Adirondack Region and share the passion Rick had for environmental policy, music, and/or outdoor activities in the Adirondacks.
Over $10,000 was originally raised for the Morse Award Fund. You can help keep Rick’s vision and passion for the Adirondacks alive by making a contribution to this scholarship program by donating with a credit card or check using the form found at the bottom of this page. Thank you for supporting this wonderful program!
For more information on applying for the 2023 Rick Morse Award.
THE 2022 MORSE SCHOLARS
The 2022 Morse Scholar Presentation and Reception, May 2, 2022, Paul Smith’s College. Left to Right: Dan Fitts, ARC Executive Director; Bob Visicaro of Paul Smith’s College, Advisor for Nolie Thompson of Paul Smith’s College; Aidan Ripp of Paul Smith's College with his Advisor Paul Smith's College Professor Glenn McClure; and Mel Johnson Paul Smith's College Professor and President of the Adirondack Research Consortium. Below, Nolie and Aidan with Mel Johnson. Photos by Kate Mullen of Paul Smith’s College.
Nolie Thompson
Nolie is a sophomore at Paul Smith’s College studying Environmental Science. She has a passion for the environment and making positive change which stems from her background and Native American heritage. Nolie has a passion for art and demonstrated it in the Natural History Drawing class with Dr. Lee Ann Sporn. She enjoys hiking trips all over the Adirondacks with her mom and sister and even more enjoys sharing stories about them.
Nolie was nominated by her advisor, Bob Visicaro.
Aidan Ripp
Aidan is a Biology Major at Paul Smith’s College who has demonstrated a commitment to preparation and speaking to the larger issues around any given topic. He listens carefully with keen analytical skills and is a gifted writer. He is an active participant in the College’s Open Mike Night where his performances demonstrate a deep commitment to his love for the nature and much more. As reported by Paul Smith’s College, Aidan literally jumped into the Olympic world with both skis, first competing at the 2022 Beijing Olympic venue, and then by virtue of his results, was able to advance to the USA Nordic Olympic Trials held in Lake Placid last December. His quiet, earnest persona is not only a reflection of his individual character but also a demonstration of his deep understanding of the natural world. In Aidan’s own words, “The once humble mountains in my mind have been replaced with their wildness. This has become a place that makes me think less about how to utilize or experience the land and more about how to become a part of it".
Aidan was nominated by Paul Smith’s College Instructor Glenn McClure.
See the Program from the Award Ceremony.
2021 Award Winner
Jesse Rock, Gradute Student, Paul Smith's College
Pictured above, ARC President and Paul Smith's College Professor, Dr. Melanie Johnson, presents Jesse Rock with a $500 check from the Rick Morse Award Fund. Jesse played a muscial tribute in honor of Rick during the 5-5@5 Award Webinar. A recording of the program can be seen HERE.
Meet the 2020 Award Winners
Jordan Spordone and Malerie Muratorin
Paul Smith's College
Pictured above is Consortium President and Paul Smith's College Professor Dr. Melanie Johnson presenting a $500 check to Jordan, and below, a check to Mal on a rainy day on the college campus. Congratulation to both of you!
See a video of the Fall Awards Program
2019 Award Winners
Katherine Gale, Paul Smith’s College
Kai Scarang, Hamilton College
See the 2019 program from the Award Ceremony
2018 Award Winner: Amanda Preston, Paul Smith's College
Listen to Amanda accept the Morse Award
2017 Award Winner: Tyler Dezago, Paul Smith's College
See the Award announcement.
Dan Fitts and Dan Castle with the 2017 Morse Award for Tyler Dezago of Paul Smith's College
PLEASE DONATE TO THE MORSE AWARD!
To donate with a credit card, please complete the following fields in this donation form. Once completed please click the "go to step 2" button to add your donation choices to a PayPal shopping cart. The cart will open in a new window and allows a user to process payment with their PayPal account or by credit card. To donate by check, make them payable to the Adirondack Research Consortium, and send to P.O. Box 96, Paul Smiths, NY, 12970.