Steward of God?s Creation Award

The Steward of God?s Creation award is bestowed to those individuals who exhibit courage and commitment in the caring and keeping of the earth in a heroic, distinguished and effective manner. Awardees are determined by a vote of religious leaders and bestowed at a public event, normally the National Prayer Breakfast for Creation Care, which is sponsored annually by a coalition of religious organizations and affiliates.

Dr. Calvin DeWitt
Madison, Wisconsin

Calvin DeWitt began his career as a professor of wetland ecology at the University of Wisconsin. In 1979 he saw the need for a Christian institute that would connect environmental science with religious principles. This would articulate a clearer understanding of ethical responsibility to God for the care of Creation. Out of this inspiration the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies emerged as the first academic institution to promote the study and practice of Christian environmental concern.

While serving as the Au Sable Institute’s first president, Cal lent his skills and enthusiasm to many other organizations including the United Nation’s Environmental Programme where he served as a religious advisor and the World Council of Churches where he served as a science advisor.

Cal DeWitt also traveled the nation and the world, lecturing and advocating for religious responsibility for the environment. He developed additional campuses for The Au Sable Institute in India, Central America, and the Pacific Northwest. In addition he assisted and served a variety of organizations, bringing his insights to numerous publications and sharing his eloquence with audiences around the world. For his tireless service, for building a network of academic and activist institutions that serve the cause of Creation care, for his generosity and enthusiasm in serving God and creation care, we extend our thanks and gratitude to Calvin DeWitt as we present him with a 2009 Steward of God’s Creation award.