Botanical Expedition! - Botanical Research Institute of Texas

iridos volume 18 no 2
8
These were not the words we expected
to hear from BRIT’s International Award
of Excellence in Conservation recipient,
Ruth Carter Stevenson. But the next
words quickly neutralized the impact.
“I soon learned why.” A collective sigh
of relief emanated from over 500 guests
seated in the ballroom of the Renaissance
Worthington Hotel in downtown Fort
Worth on April 26. The guests had gathered
to honor Mrs. Stevenson’s accomplishments
in conservation. They were not prepared,
however, for her introduction, her disarming
charm, and her relaxed elegance.
As she continued, her tell-it-like-it-is,
get-it-done approach became apparent.
Not only is she President of the Board of
Trustees of the Amon Carter Museum, she
also serves on countless committees, boards,
and foundations. In the realm of conservation,
she has left her special mark on Fort Worth,
across the city, and all along the banks of
the Trinity River.
Relaxed Atmosphere Pervades BRIT’s 2007
Annual International Conservation Award
Gala
Ruth Carter Stevenson
When the Vice Chair of BRIT’s Board of
Trustees, Mr. Ed Bass, hung the prestigious
medal around her neck, Mrs. Stevenson
asked that he stay with her at the podium.
In a display of mutual admiration, she had
a gleam in her eye when she pronounced,
“I decided Ed needed a special award.
We need an Order of the Blue Stem (an
important native grass).” In jest, and as
an acknowledgment, Mrs. Stevenson then
slipped a ribbon adorned with Johnson
grass, clothed in blue paint, over his head,
setting the tone for her down to earth and
delightful acceptance speech.
The evening drew to a close, and the
crowd that gathers once a year lingered,
then departed. Though they each went his
or her separate way, a common thread
united them: supporting and believing in
BRIT’s mission. And on this night each left
with an extra broad smile, having met one of
Fort Worth’s greatest conservationists.
PHOTOS By GLEN E. ELLMAN
“Why haven’t the thousands of dried plants in BRIT’s herbarium been composted?”
Thanks go to: Carroll Collins, serving as
chair of the steering committee; Tim McKinney,
Chairman of BRIT’s Board of Trustees, serving
as the evening’s master of ceremonies;
Beverly Leche, who designed the beautiful
floral centerpieces; and Fort Worth artist, jane
Molpus, who created a painting depicting leaves
of Mrs. Stevenson’s favorite tree, the Ginkgo, in
both summer and fall.
Thanks go to: members of the 2007
steering committee: jerry Ball, Tammie Crole,
jeanne Donovan, Carole Findlay, Pat Harrison,
Cleve Lancaster, Bill Lawrence, Beverly Leche,
Patty Marksteiner, Lou Martin, Ann McKinney,
jane Molpus, Therese Moncrief, Amanda Morris,
Bob O’Kennon, Iona Richardson, Betsy Schaffer,
Frank Sherwood, Sara Sohmer, Sy Sohmer, Dick
Steed, Sue Sumner, Suzy Williams and Patsy
Zimmerman.
Ed Bass receives an award Mayor Mike Moncrief, Sara Brown,
Tim McKinney, Ruth Carter Stevenson, Sy Sohmer
Ruth Carter Stevenson
Since the establishment of the award in 1995, the International Award of Excellence galas have honored outstanding conservationists
and played an important role in raising public awareness of BRIT’s mission and in securing funds to continue the work of the Institute.
Thanks to the corporate sponsors, host committee, and patrons who provided support through contributions and attendance.
We look forward to seeing you at BRIT’s award dinner in 2008!