We’re in the middle of National Volunteer Appreciation Week. On Monday, we introduced you to two volunteers who have given 25 years of service to Shedd. Today, we highlight three 20-year volunteers with thanks from the staff members they work with. They represent Shedd’s more than 800 volunteers who donate their time and talents to nearly every aspect of the aquarium’s daily operations, in front of and behind the scenes. Check out our honor roll celebrating more volunteers who achieved significant milestones in 2011. And consider becoming a Shedd volunteer yourself!
—Betty Goldberg, volunteer and dive program manager
For the last two decades, Robert Marth has volunteered at Shedd in multiple departments, including animal health and guest engagement, and as a diver in Wild Reef. After starting as a water-quality analyst, it became apparent that his background in information technology could be tapped to advance electronic recordkeeping in the laboratory. Bob has been instrumental in developing, maintaining and expanding complex databases. His work in this area has advanced our ability to care for our animal collection by allowing staff members to create reports and analyze trends in our water systems. Bob’s dedication, passion and love for the aquarium are evident in his generous support and time commitment. We congratulate Bob on his 20-year milestone and thank him for all the support he has given to Shedd over the years.
—Allen La Pointe, vice president, environmental quality
When someone reaches a milestone of 20 years as a volunteer, you can be sure she the kind of person who is truly dedicated and committed to what she believes in. Lori Wheeles certainly is. Twenty years of chopping up seafood, fighting off hungry sea turtles, shivering in a wetsuit and diving in the frigid waters of the Abbott Oceanarium—all the while maintaining a friendly, positive attitude—is enough to test the dedication of anyone. Lori brings great energy and amazing ability to all of her tasks at Shedd. Like all of our volunteers, she is a valuable team member and a tremendous asset to the aquarium. Thank you, Lori, for 20 years of wonderful service!
—Keith Pamper, diving safety officer
Barbara Zenner has seen many changes, not only in the guest engagement department but also in the aquarium itself. From the opening and anniversary celebrations of the Wild Reef to the many special exhibits that have graced the mezzanine, Barbara has brought her passion for the natural world and our collection to guests every week. Barbara’s creative side has been highlighted not only by her one-of-a-kind bag of props but also during the piloting of archerfish interpretation in the Rivers gallery. We congratulate Barbara on 20 years of volunteer service and look forward to seeing her for 20 more.
—Shomari Smith, engagement specialist, guest engagement
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