You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

Alumna to receive prestigious Heinz Award

By David Gonnerman '90
September 17, 2007

Susan Seacrest '75, founder of the Groundwater Foundation, is among six distinguished Americans selected to share the $1.25 million in awards that will be presented in five categories by the Heinz Family Foundation at a special ceremony Oct. 22. Seacrest will split her $250,000 share with Bernard Amadei, founder of Engineers Without Borders.

"Susan Seacrest embodies the very best of America's can-do spirit," says Teresa Heinz, chair of the Heinz Family Foundation. "Self-educated on an issue that affects all of us, the safety and reliability of our groundwater, she has shared her knowledge and concerns with anyone and everyone who will listen. Engaging, creative, collaborative and, perhaps most of all, persistent, she has been a tireless and remarkably effective advocate for protecting the health of our fragile aquifers."

Other recipients of this year's award include author Dave Eggers, Assistant Director of the World Health Organization David Heymann, health care reformer Donald Berwick and biomechantronics pioneer Hugh Herr.

Since 1993 the Heinz Family Foundation of Pittsburgh has recognized individuals whose dedication, skill and generosity of spirit represent the best of the human qualities that the late Sen. Heinz, for whom the award is named, held so dear.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.