CHESTERTOWN — Washington College celebrated the deep-rooted connections between the campus and the surrounding community during its annual spring convocation last week.
A highlight of the Friday, Feb. 20 ceremony was the presentation of the President’s Medal, the college’s premier recognition for individuals or organizations with an exemplary record of sustained contribution to the quality of life in Chestertown, Kent County and the college.
This year, the college honored John Schratwieser, director of Kent Cultural Alliance, and ShoreRivers, the region’s leading clean water advocacy organization. Both recipients were recognized for their tireless service and wide-ranging positive influence on the greater community.
Since taking the helm of Kent Cultural Alliance in 2018, Schratwieser has been an advocate for the centrality of the arts to a thriving, equitable and connected community. With nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit management across the arts, health care and higher education, Schratwieser has measurably improved the state of the arts in Kent County.
Washington College also recognized ShoreRivers for its science-based advocacy, education and restoration efforts.
Formed in 2017, ShoreRivers represents a model of effective, community-rooted environmental leadership.
With more than 2,500 members and 300-plus completed restoration projects, their work ensures healthy, swimmable and fishable rivers for the entire Eastern Shore.
ShoreRivers Executive Director Scott Budden accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The partnership between ShoreRivers and Washington College is a hallmark of regional collaboration.
Through the college’s Center for Environment & Society, ShoreRivers has mentored countless student interns and research assistants, providing hands-on experience in water quality monitoring.
ShoreRivers staff also are integral to the college’s Chesapeake Semester and the Museum, Field and Community Education program, modeling best practices for high-impact environmental instruction.
The spirit of the event was further galvanized by keynote speaker Angela Crenshaw, director of the Maryland Park Service. A 2004 Washington College graduate, Crenshaw received a standing ovation in Decker Theatre.
Drawing on her own journey from Washington College to a trailblazing career in conservation, Crenshaw invoked the legacies of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to challenge the audience toward active citizenship.
“My challenge to you is this: Whether you fight in the light of day like Douglass or in the darkness of night like Tubman, fight for what you believe and value,” Crenshaw told the assembled students, faculty and community members.
Her address emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of others and finding “moral leadership” in the pursuit of the public good — a theme echoed by Interim President Bryan Matthews, who urged the community to consider how they might leave their own lasting legacies.
The President’s Medal is presented to those whose contributions exert a wide-ranging influence upon the greater community.
“By honoring Schratwieser and ShoreRivers alongside the inspiring words of Crenshaw, Washington College reinforces its commitment to the arts, environmental stewardship and civic bravery as the essential pillars of a vibrant community life,” a news release states.
More information on Washington College’s spring convocation can be found at https://www.washcoll.edu/live/news/2026-bday-convocation.php.
