Water scientist and documentary filmmaker Paul O’Callaghan received the 2025 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence on Thursday, September 25 at Stroud Water Research Center’s 23rd annual gala, The Water’s Edge.
Guests enjoyed the cocktail reception at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library before heading to the auditorium to hear a fireside chat between O’Callaghan and Executive Director Dave Arscott, Ph.D.
O’Callaghan has been surrounded by water his entire life: he grew up in Ireland and continues to make the island nation his home. His dedication and love for the protection and preservation of water were apparent as he shared his trajectory from scientist to founder of BlueTech Research, and how, along the way, he became a filmmaker.
O’Callaghan’s films, Brave Blue World and Our Blue World, share stories from around the world about how people use, protect, and are inspired by water. Attendees left with the hopeful message that everyone can make a difference in protecting this precious resource.
The Stroud Center is grateful to the hardworking Water’s Edge Committee, volunteers, attendees, and sponsors for their support of this event.
Thank you to the event’s many sponsors for their support: Lead Sponsors Blue Yak Foundation, Brown Brothers Harriman Trust Company of Delaware N.A., Fresh Start Development Company, Landhope Farms, Moorhead Family Foundation, M&T Bank | Wilmington Trust, and Runnymede Sanctuary; Key Sponsors Franny and Franny Abbott, BNY Wealth, Brown Advisory, Phoebe Driscoll, Fair Play Foundation, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Hankin Group, Herr Foods Inc., Johnston Family Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Richard I.G. Jones Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moran, W.A. Speakman Family Foundation, Morris and Boo Stroud, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Stroud, and Mr. and Mrs. D. Scott Wisman.
Photos: Jana Bannan Photography
