provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Longtime Sanibel Island resident and Florida Gulf Coast University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Peter Blaze Corcoran has been named a winner of the 2024 Thomas Berry Award. He was honored for his work in the field of Earth Charter scholarship. The award was presented at the Earth Charter International Education Conference on April 12, 2024 at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida by the Thomas Berry Foundation.
The Foundation’s mission is to carry out the great work of the late Thomas Berry in enhancing the flourishing of the Earth community. Berry was one of the twentieth century’s most prescient and profound thinkers; he was a renowned theologian and cultural historian.
Corcoran said, “It is a profound honor to receive the Thomas Berry Award. He is one of my intellectual heroes. Berry’s wisdom in telling the universe story shows us a way toward a hopeful future for humankind and for all beings. The Earth Charter illuminates the path to such a future.”
The conference was a gathering of educators and researchers from around the world to discuss new ways to advance the mission of the Earth Charter, a statement of ethical principles for sustainability. The conference theme was Reimagining Education for Ecological Civilizations. It took place over a three day period with numerous events and panels including the presentation of the award.
He was presented the award alongside fellow winners: Mirian Vilela, Executive Director of Earth Charter International and Dr. Rick Clugston, Executive Director of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future. Past winners of the Thomas Berry Award include Mary Evelyn Tucker, Steven C. Rockefeller, and Miriam MacGillis.
Since his retirement from FGCU, Dr. Corcoran has served as Senior Advisor for Faith and Ecology at Unity Earth in Melbourne, Australia and as Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Education at University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He serves on the Grant Selection Council of Purpose Earth. He continues to be active as a scholar on a range of topics in educational and environmental studies through various chapters, journal articles, and lectures. His current research is centered on youth climate anxiety, wonder, and indigenous knowledge.
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