His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, received the Stony Brook Council University Medal at an event held at Stony Brook Southampton. The award recognizes his work in climate action, faith-based environmentalism, and efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.
The ceremony took place on September 20 at the Avram Theater during an event titled “Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch Recognizes Stony Brook Southampton’s Marine Sciences Mission.” The University Medal is Stony Brook’s highest honor and is reserved for individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the university and its community.
Known as the “Green Patriarch,” Bartholomew has been recognized internationally for his advocacy on environmental issues. President Andrea Goldsmith highlighted his contributions in raising awareness about climate change, particularly regarding its effects on marginalized communities and ethical considerations related to environmental justice.
“It is for these reasons that we are so honored to celebrate him today with the university’s highest honor, the Stony Brook Council University Medal, in recognition of his tireless efforts, taking the lead among all religious leaders in his concern for the environment,” said Goldsmith.
Goldsmith also spoke about Stony Brook University’s commitment to sustainability through initiatives like those led by its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), including conservation projects such as the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program. She stated: “Stony Brook shares the commitment of His All-Holiness in taking steps toward creating a more sustainable world and encouraging dialogue and action among our peers. As president of Stony Brook, I’m so proud of the work that we’ve accomplished and I am committed to continuing to support our Southampton Campus and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences on these globally significant initiatives, and the people and work that they inspire.”
After receiving the medal from Goldsmith and Stony Brook Council Chair Kevin Law before an audience that included elected officials, local residents, members of university organizations, and tribal leaders from the Shinnecock Nation, Bartholomew remarked: “The oceans, the rivers and streams now need our help. Here at Stony Brook, you are making most significant contributions to the healing of our waters that they so desperately need. We are honored by your bestowal of the University Medal to our humble person as a sign of the solidarity we share in the protection of the environment.”
The day included a boat tour led by SoMAS professors Ellen Pikitch and Christopher Gobler highlighting Shinnecock Bay’s status as a Mission Blue Hope Spot—a designation given in 2022 due to over ten years of restoration efforts by Pikitch, Gobler, Bradley Peterson (SoMAS), along with collaboration from local groups including members from Shinnecock Indian Nation. This makes Shinnecock Bay New York State’s first Hope Spot alongside other notable regions such as Galapagos Islands or Ross Sea.
“In honoring a global leader whose work has illuminated the sacred responsibility we all share to care for our environment, it is fitting that we also acknowledge the original stewards of this land, the Shinnecock Indian Nation,” said Wendy Pearson, vice president for strategic initiatives at Stony Brook Southampton. “The Shinnecock have long been leaders in caring for land and waters…and their collaboration with Stony Brook University researchers…is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we work together.”
Bartholomew has previously received international recognition including being awarded $1 million Templeton Prize by John Templeton Foundation for his work bridging faith with science; his visit was timed around both Orthodox Church’s Day of Environment (September 1) as well as presentation ceremony for 2025 Templeton Prize.
