Tory Gabriel Winner of the 2024 Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award

Dec. 17, 2024

Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award 2024 Winner

Tory and Joe

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests thank you for joining us today as we recognize an exceptional individual in the field of community development. It is my privilege to present the 2024 Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award.

This prestigious award is presented to a professional who has demonstrated significant programmatic strengths, major contributions, and innovative approaches throughout their career. The recipient must have made lasting impacts beyond their assigned location, exhibited excellence in teaching and research, and shown a remarkable record of collaboration and teamwork, implementation, and evaluation as well as a successful track record in grant awards, cost recovery, or other external funding. The awardees must also exhibit evidence of professional development and service to the profession Today, we will celebrate someone who has done all of this and more.

This individual has demonstrated remarkable leadership, taking a team of just three specialists, and expanding it to a powerhouse of nine, all while managing and providing strategic direction for Ohio Sea Grant’s Extension programming. Their efforts have enhanced the sustainability and wise use of Lake Erie’s fisheries, making a profound impact on the region.

Their work spans various areas of expertise, including fisheries science, aquatic invasive species, and ecosystem management. If you’ve ever fished in Lake Erie or cared about its environmental health, there’s a good chance their work has touched your life.

Collaboration is at the heart of this awardee’s career. From charter fishing associations to government agencies, this person has forged strong partnerships across multiple sectors. They are a trusted advisor to many groups, always eager to engage and empower others.

In fact, this individual’s work isn’t just appreciated locally—its influence reaches across state lines, with other Sea Grant programs and agencies seeking to replicate the educational tools and resources they’ve created. Whether it’s developing an innovative curriculum for charter fishing guides or creating a field guide for aquatic invasive species, this person has made a lasting impact on both the people and the environment.

While many of us might consider recognition to be a measure of success, for this individual, the real reward has always been the results. From securing over 6 million in research funding to overseeing projects that benefit tens of thousands of people, their efforts continue to ensure the long-term health of Lake Erie and its surrounding communities.

But it’s not just about the numbers. This person has also been the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the prestigious American Fisheries Society Sport Fish Restoration Award and the Ohio Division of Wildlife Wildlife Award. Their leadership and contributions are not only respected within the field, but they are also widely recognized by their peers as truly exceptional.

Beyond their technical expertise, this individual has a deep passion for teaching. Whether delivering peer-reviewed presentations at conferences, mentoring students, or engaging local youth through educational programming, they have always strived to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of environmental stewards.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that they’ve served as the instructor of the Lake Erie Sport Fishing Course at Ohio State University’s Stone Lab since 2010. In fact, thousands of students have been touched by this person’s dedication to education and mentorship.

Finally, this individual’s dedication to service is truly remarkable. They serve on nearly two dozen committees, associations, and professional groups, actively contributing to the betterment of their field and ensuring the ongoing success of their team and community. Whether it’s through leadership roles, committee work, or attending professional development programs, their commitment to personal growth and service to the profession is unwavering.

It is with great honor that I present the 2024 Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award to Tory Gabriel! Tory, your outstanding leadership, innovation, and service have made an immeasurable impact on Ohio’s communities, especially those that rely on the health and sustainability of Lake Erie. Your work and dedication embody the very spirit of this award.

Let’s all give a round of applause to Tory for this well-deserved recognition! Your efforts will continue to inspire future generations of community development professionals. Thank you, and congratulations again!

Tory, we are so grateful for your hard work and passion. Your leadership has touched countless lives, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impacts of your work on Ohio’s communities, the Great Lakes region, and beyond. Congratulations once again and may your legacy of excellence continue to inspire us all.