Society: Scripps honors Prince Albert II of Monaco

On October 23, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla hosted environmental supporters including one royal guest, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Event sponsor David Copley with guests Stuart Jamieson, Judith Harris, Marc Andrew Shelton, and Tanya and Charles Brandes (Photo by Margo Schwab)

This is not the first time royalty has come to Scripps, noted senior director of development for SIO Lawrance Bailey. “Prior to Prince Albert’s visit, Scripps was visited by Emperor Hirohito and Queen Elizabeth.”

The day’s events started with a well-attended lecture by Prince Albert at UCSD’s Price Center Ballroom and continued with cocktails and conversation at the Robert Paine Scripps Forum.

Talk revolved around very relevant topics presented by Prince Albert, raising awareness for the planet’s greatest environmental challenges. In particular Prince Albert and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation have focused on promoting scientific research and protection of the planet’s polar regions.

As such Prince Albert was awarded the Roger Revelle Prize named for the UCSD founder and former Scripps director, who was a world-renowned scientist and pioneer for climate change research.

Guest Tanya Brandes, fresh from a royal greeting in Bhutan and challenging climb of Mt. Everest, said, “A special evening! HSH Prince Albert’s visit to San Diego was an honor. The awarding of the Revelle Prize provided an opportunity for researchers and community members to discuss important issues, including ocean acidification and responsible stewardship of our environment.”

Valerie Cooper agreed and added, “I had an opportunity to meet the Prince. He was charming as one would hope.  The lecture and segment of a movie about his travels to Antarctica were very interesting and definitely thought provoking.  Much discussion continued through the evening on to dinner as to what is happening to our environment and how to protect it.  Scripps shined as it has been formidable in research for over 100 years inspired by Roger Revelle. It was a lovely evening and to think so much research is being done right here in our hometown to impact our life and the future of our planet is very exciting. Big thank you to David Copley for being the lead sponsor for making this night an evening to remember and bring about change!”

Sponsor David Copley of the Helen K. and James S. Copley Foundation was joined by his guests Valerie and Harry Cooper, Tanya and Charles Brandes, Colette and Ivor Royston, Judith Harris, Dr. Stuart Jamieson and Marc Andrew Shelton.

“It was most fitting for His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to receive the Roger Revelle Prize,” said Colette Royston.  ”Both international leaders have demonstrated great love of oceanography and a long commitment to solve the problem of global warming and the impact on our planet. The event was beautifully staged at the Scripps Seaside Forum and the Prince was very warmly received by the community. How wonderful that the proceeds from generous donors of the event also support the Roger Revelle Leadership Fund at Scripps to recruit and retain the most outstanding students, faculty and researchers to this treasured world-renowned institution that we are so fortunate to have in San Diego!”

Among the 250 plus guests there were Betty Knight Scripps accompanied by Academy Award-wining actor Cliff Robertson, Katherine Kennedy and Robert Horsman, Patty and Richard Elkus, (Patty co-chaired the honorary committee), Zandra Rhodes and Salah Hassanein, the designer Jordan in a sea perfect dress, Mike Powers, Casey Powers, National Medal of Science awardee Dr. Craig Venter, Scripps Director Nigella Hillgarth, and Lee Clark and Jerry Pikolysky.

Lee had this to say. “Jerry and I have had the pleasure of being in the presence of Prince Albert II many times in Monaco. He is always warm, gracious and approachable. UCSD and Scripps Institution of Oceanography should be congratulated for giving the Roger Revelle Prize to Prince Albert II for fostering awareness to drastic climate changes, ocean acidification and encouraging scientific solutions. Roger Revelle’s legacy continues admirably.”

Scientist Walter Munk was heard summing up the evening succinctly. “Substantive!”

To learn more about the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, visit www.scrippsnews.ucsd.edu

To learn more about the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation visit www.fondationprincealbertiidemonaco.net

To view more photos and coverage of this event, visit www.thesocialdiary.com

Margo Schwab is the editor of TheSocialDiary.com, the society reporter and specialty reporter for San Diego Home & Garden Magazine, and the society writer for San Diego News Network. To notify her about your upcoming event, e-mail mschwab@san.rr.com.

Tags: Betty Knight Scripps, David Copley of the Helen K. and James S. Copley Foundation, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Albert II Monaco, Prince Albert II Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Robert paine Scripps Forum, Roger Revelle Prize, SDNN, SIO Lawrance Bailey

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