Graduates of Distinction

Honoring excellence across generations of ESF Alumni.

Each year at the May Commencement Ceremony, the Alumni Association proudly recognizes outstanding graduates through a trio of prestigious awards that celebrate the diverse ways our alumni embody the mission and values of ESF. These honors highlight the personal and professional accomplishments of individuals at every stage of their journey — whether they are closing a chapter, reaching new heights, or just beginning to make their mark.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrating alumni who have made a lasting impact over the course of their careers. These individuals are recognized for decades of meaningful contributions to their field, community, and the environment as they approach or conclude their professional journeys.

Notable Achievement Award

Recognizing alumni in the early to mid-stages of their careers who are already demonstrating significant accomplishments, leadership, and innovation. These recipients are paving the way forward, advancing environmental stewardship and making a name for themselves in their industries.

Incipiens Quercu Award (“Beginning Oak”)

Honoring alumni who graduated within the past ten years and are already living out the ESF mission in powerful ways — through early-career success, community engagement, and volunteer efforts. This award celebrates the promise of emerging leaders and their growing contributions to a more sustainable world.

Nomination Information

 

Do you know an alumni who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and impact in their professional and personal lives? Consider nominating them for one of the prestigious Graduates of Distinction awards.

Please use the button below to submit a nomination.

Graduates of Distinction Nomination Form

 

 

2025 Honorees

 

Lifetime Achievement

Robin Wall Kimmerer '75

Environmental & Forest Biology
Photo credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Robin Wall Kimmerer ’75 is a world-renowned author, botanist, and distinguished scholar whose groundbreaking work combines Indigenous knowledge with ecological science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Dr. Kimmerer has dedicated her career to integrating traditional Indigenous wisdom with modern environmental science, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with the natural world.

Dr. Kimmerer is best known for her bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, which explores the deep connection between humans and nature, blending personal memoir, philosophy, and ecological science. In her writing, she emphasizes the importance of reciprocity with the Earth, urging us to treat the environment not as a resource to be used, but as a partner to be respected and nurtured.

At ESF, Dr. Kimmerer has had a profound impact as a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology. She is also the Founding Director of the College's Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE), where she works to merge Indigenous knowledge with environmental science, fostering collaboration and understanding between these disciplines. Her leadership at the CNPE has inspired a new generation of students to approach environmental challenges through a lens that honors
both scientific rigor and traditional wisdom. Dr. Kimmerer has worked extensively at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station (serving as Director from 1993-96), where she has provided invaluable guidance on ecological restoration projects, furthering her commitment to both science and community-based environmental practices.

Her influence extends far beyond the classroom and research labs. In 2020, Dr. Kimmerer delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations, emphasizing the vital role of Indigenous wisdom in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practices on a global scale. Her voice continues to resonate in global conversations about ecology, sustainability, and social justice.

Dr. Kimmerer’s contributions have been widely recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2022, she was named a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "Genius Grant," in recognition of her outstanding contributions to ecology, education, and Indigenous scholarship. Additionally, in 2023, Dr. Kimmerer received the National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden, an honor that recognizes individuals whose work has deepened our understanding of the humanities and contributed to the cultural fabric of society. Most recently, in 2025, she was named to Time Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People, a recognition of her far-reaching impact as a thought leader shaping the future of environmental stewardship and cultural understanding.

As a graduate of ESF, Robin Wall Kimmerer has embodied the core values of the College: environmental stewardship, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of inclusivity. Her extraordinary contributions to the fields of ecological science and Indigenous education make her a true leader in advancing sustainability and fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the environment.

We are honored to recognize Robin Wall Kimmerer as a SUNY ESF Graduate of Distinction, celebrating her dedication to bridging cultural and scientific worlds for a more sustainable and just future.

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Notable Achievement

Peter A. Williams, M.Sc., R.P.F. ’77

Forest Resources Management

Peter A. Williams ’77 is a highly experienced Registered Professional Forester and Certified Arborist based in Rockwood, Ontario, and has dedicated over 30 years to advancing sustainable forest management practices in Southern Ontario. 

With a B.Sc. in Forest Resources Management from SUNY ESF, an M.Sc. in Forestry and Soils from the University of Tennessee (1983), and doctoral work in Environmental Biology at the University of Guelph, Peter's career is built on deep academic foundations and a passion for practical forestry solutions. 

As the principal of Williams & Associates since 1985, Peter has provided consulting, research, and education in areas such as urban forestry, forest management, silviculture, and agroforestry. His work has included overseeing over 300 forest management plans, addressing issues such as invasive species control, tree improvement, and rehabilitation, particularly in urban environments. Notably, his contributions to managing the impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer and advocating for irregular shelterwood silvicultural systems have been instrumental in improving forest health across Southern Ontario. 

Peter has worked extensively with municipalities including Oakville, Halton Region, and Toronto, focusing on urban tree inventories, hazard tree assessments, and forest regeneration strategies. His dedication to forest health is also evident in his collaborations with Indigenous communities, where he has provided expertise on timber sales, forest management, and loss of use assessments. 

Beyond consulting, Peter has authored numerous articles and books on forestry, agroforestry, and forest restoration. His leadership extends to mentoring young professionals and volunteering with organizations such as the Ontario Woodlot Association, where he has held leadership roles, and the Wellington County Stewardship Council, promoting sustainable forestry practices. 

Peter is widely respected for his professionalism, knowledge, and generosity in mentoring others. He continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world forestry applications, earning the admiration of colleagues and peers throughout the industry. His ongoing contributions to the forestry profession have made a lasting impact, ensuring his legacy as a trusted advisor, educator, and advocate for sustainable forest management. 

We are proud to bestow the Graduate of Distinction Award for Notable Achievement upon Peter A. Williams in recognition of his exemplary career, unwavering commitment to advancing forestry practices, and his dedication to mentoring future generations while fostering environmental stewardship throughout Southern Ontario.

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Incipiens Quercu Award (“Beginning Oak”)

Kristine Ellsworth ’15

Environmental Resources Engineering

Kristine Ellsworth ’15 is a dedicated environmental engineer and passionate advocate for sustainable materials management and student career development. Graduating from SUNY ESF in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering, Kristine has since built an impressive career marked by leadership, technical expertise, and community service.

Currently serving as an Assistant Engineer at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Kristine works in the Organics Reduction and Recycling Section. She provides regulatory oversight and technical assistance to organics recycling facilities, and plays a key role in advancing critical initiatives, including the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. She has significantly contributed to the development of the NYS Solid Waste Management Plan and has overseen various contracts promoting sustainable organics management. 

Kristine’s dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated through her involvement with professional organizations. She served as Chair of the U.S. Composting Council Young Professionals Committee for two years and was honored with the 2021 USCC Young Professional of the Year Award. She is also a key organizer of the NYS Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (𝑁𝑌𝑆𝐴𝑅3 ) NYS Organics Summit, an annual event that connects over two hundred professionals to discuss advancements in organic waste management. She additionally serves as a member of Governor Hochul’s Council for Hunger and Food Policy. 

In addition to her technical achievements, Kristine is deeply committed to mentoring students, particularly those from ESF. She has been instrumental in organizing recruitment events like DEC at ESF Day, hosting students at DEC to engage with a panel of ESF alumni engineers, and has guided numerous interns, several of whom have gone on to permanent positions within DEC. 

Kristine’s work extends well beyond organics management. She assisted with the Hoosick Falls drinking water crisis (2016) and the COVID-19 response at a vaccination site (2021 – 2022). 

Kristine Ellsworth exemplifies the values of environmental stewardship, leadership, and community involvement. Her ongoing contributions to both her field and alma mater make her a deserving nominee for the Graduate of Distinction Incipiens Quercu Award.

 

Past Graduates of Distinction