For their commitment to environmental education, the families of Rob and Katharine “Kit” Rohn of Darien and Michael and Nancy Herde (formerly of New Canaan), as well as the Norwalk law firm of Shipman & Goodwin, LLP, are recipients of the 16th annual Red Apple Awards on April 23 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The awards will be presented during “Cirque de la Mer,” the annual fund-raising event that honors companies, organizations and individuals who share The Maritime Aquarium’s concern for the natural world and environmental education.
“We are happy and honored to recognize these committed families and individuals for their years of vision and support for The Maritime Aquarium,” said Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium. “They model leadership, citizenship and philanthropy to their children, their peers and their communities. The Aquarium is a much more valuable community resource because of their involvement.”
The Rohn Family
Rob Rohn, a founding principal with Sustainable Growth Advisers, is current chairman of The Maritime Aquarium’s Board of Trustees. He’s been a board member since 2006. Kit Rohn has worked for Inform, an environmental research organization, and the National Audubon Society, which was chaired nationally for 15 years by her late father, Donal O’Brian. She also is a founding member of Conservation International.
Kit and Rob Rohn chaired the Aquarium’s 2013 “Cirque de la Mer.” Their children have been active at The Maritime Aquarium as well. Daughter Katie served an Aquarium internship, and son Nick has been a volunteer.
“As Board chairman, Rob guides the Aquarium with intellect, patience and commitment,” Davis said. “He and Kit always bring a warm graceful presence and passion to their involvement. They inspire us, and we are grateful for all they have done for The Maritime Aquarium.”
The Herde Family
The Herdes, formerly of New Canaan, now live in Massachusetts. Michael Herde, head of compliance for Fidelity Investments, is a former member of The Maritime Aquarium’s Board of Trustees. Nancy Jumper Herde was a member of the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk (one of the original founding organizations of The Maritime Aquarium).
In 2010, the Herdes sponsored an element of The Maritime Aquarium’s new exhibit, “Go Fish! Long Island Sound & Beyond.” The exhibit’s Jumper Herde Café is a mock café that demonstrates how we – as seafood consumers – can make good choices in markets and restaurants to help support healthy fish populations and smart fishing methods.
One of Michael and Nancy’s four children, Hannah, while in high school, volunteered and interned at the Aquarium and served as co-chair of The Maritime Youth Advisors.
“We miss all of the Herdes, for their devotion to the Fairfield County community, for their influence on the Aquarium’s story and for simply being a collection of tremendous individuals all together in one admirable family,” Davis said.
Shipman & Goodwin, LLP
Senior Partner Mike Widland, his partner, Robin Frederick, and others at Shipman & Goodwin have donated countless pro bono hours to The Maritime Aquarium over the years. Widland is a longtime member of the Aquarium’s Board of Trustees, and has served as its chairman, vice chairman and – currently – its secretary.
Davis said Widland has been involved in virtually every major governance decision made during much of The Maritime Aquarium’s history.
“Mike has guided the Aquarium with wisdom over the years,” Davis said. “His connections, insights and expertise have been vital to us here in Norwalk and Hartford.”
This year’s “Cirque de la Mer” is themed “The Circle of Life.” The event will be held primarily under “the big top” specially set up outside the Aquarium’s main entrance. Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, a one-of-a-kind cocktail party throughout the Aquarium galleries, and the event’s awards ceremony.
Proceeds from “Cirque de la Mer” support The Maritime Aquarium’s Red Apple Fund for Student
Chairman of the 2015 event is Morten Arntzen, a Maritime Aquarium trustee, and his wife, Carolyn, of New Canaan.
Media sponsor is New Canaan-Darien-Rowayton Magazine/Moffly Media.
For more information about the Red Apple Fund for Student Enrichment, call The Maritime Aquarium at (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206 or ext. 2337.