The Vulcan Materials Center for Environmental Stewardship and Education at Samford University received an Educator of the Year award from the Cahaba River Society for its work in behalf of environmental conservation.

The Society cited the Vulcan Center's "leadership and support to launch a community response to (biologist) E. O. Wilson's altar call" to build broad partnerships for water and energy conservation and biodiversity protection.

After Dr. Wilson's 2007 Earth Day lecture at Samford, the Vulcan Center organized dinner and luncheon meetings with faith leaders, scientists, educators and environmental and civic leaders to continue and deepen the conservation dialogue.

The Society also cited Vulcan's support for the Watersheds & Warming effort and for its exploration of an Alabama chapter of Interfaith Power and Light to open new avenues for science, education and faith collaboration.

"It was an honor to receive this award from a highly respected organization such as the Cahaba River Society," said Virginia N. Brown, Vulcan Center program administrator. "The Vulcan Center will continue to open avenues for science, education and faith collaboration, working toward the common goal of earth sustainability, in response to climate change."

Samford biology professor Larry J. Davenport is director of the Vulcan Center.

The Cahaba River Society also presented an Educator of the Year award to the Episcopal Task Force for the Stewardship of Creation for its efforts in building understanding, advocacy and action in watershed and energy conservation.