Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award Grant

Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society (PATWS)
Last Updated: November 26, 2025

Summary

The Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded biennially by the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society, honors mid-career or later professionals for their exceptional contributions to wildlife ecology and conservation in Pennsylvania. This peer-nominated award recognizes individuals for their achievements and dedication through wildlife-inspired artwork, emphasizing their impact on conservation efforts. Support letters are crucial in the nomination process, highlighting candidates’ academic, professional, and community engagement in wildlife-related initiatives.

Overview

Note: 1) This award is available on a biennial basis, only in the even years. 2) This is a peer-nominated award. Support letters must be submitted by midnight of the deadline date indicated above. About TWS Founded in 1936, the organization’s mission is “Empower wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community, and professional excellence.” The Wildlife Society enhances our members’ networking and learning opportunities, professional and career development, and provides numerous ways for them to get more involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats. Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award The Gordon “Gordy” Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded biennially by the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society (PATWS) to a mid-career or later professional in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and dedication to wildlife ecology and conservation in Pennsylvania. The award is named in honor of Dr. Gordon Kirkland Jr., Professor of Biology and former director of the Vertebrate Museum at Shippensburg University. The award is given in the form of wildlife-inspired artwork, the subject and medium are of the recipient's choice. Previously commissioned works have included sculpture, photography, and painting (cost not to exceed $500.00). Cash will not be awarded in-lieu of artwork. While career accomplishments are the focus, no definitive criteria have been established for selecting a recipient if multiple nominations are received. PATWS members nominating a particular individual should provide the Board with a brief, but descriptive letter documenting the nominee's accomplishments and dedication to wildlife ecology and conservation, with specific reference to Pennsylvania-related wildlife issues.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Nominees will be evaluated based on the strength of support letters received and the information provided therein. Suggested criteria include:Academic and/or professional achievement. This can include - but is not limited to - academic or professional research; academic or professional involvement in habitat and/or species management programs, committees or other conservation entities; involvement in wildlife student success (graduate students advised, encouragement of student participation in meetings, etc.)Sharing of information and promotion of wildlife/habitat conservation through publications in scientific journals, popular magazines, and organizational newsletters; presentations at professional meetings, speaking to various civic groups and schools; development of educational programs, brochures, participation in local conservation activities, and learning kits.Development and/or promotion of cooperative relationships with other state and/or federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, sportsmen's groups, universities and colleges, private citizens groups.Involvement in TWS activities, particularly at the Pennsylvania Chapter level. Involvement can include current or past service on the PATWS Board; assisting in coordination of Chapter annual meeting, workshops, plenary sessions; service on various committees established by the PATWS Board or Chapter President. Not all the criteria above need to be met if a particular nominee has an outstanding history in one or two of these areas and garners outstanding letters of support. If a suitable nomination is not received, the award will not be given that year.