Press Releases

June 14, 2004

Peconic Land Trust Leader John v.H. Halsey Named 2004 Distinguished Citizen by Southampton College
Protector of East End’s Heritage To Be Honored at June 25 Reception

Contact:
Patricia Conway
631-287-8313

Southampton, NY — Southampton College of Long Island University will present its 2004 Distinguished Citizen Award to John v.H. Halsey of the Peconic Land Trust for his tireless efforts, foresight and love on behalf of the East End’s farms and open space. He will be honored for his accomplishments at a reception on Friday, June 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Southampton College’s Chancellor’s Hall.

The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes a member of the year-round East End community who has contributed significantly to the cultural, educational and professional quality of life on eastern Long Island.

Located in Southampton, the Peconic Land Trust is a conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of Long Island’s farms, open space and heritage. In the 21 years since the Trust was founded with Halsey at the helm, the organization has protected over 7,500 acres of farmland and open space on Long Island. Halsey has devoted a substantial amount of time shaping the Trust into a solid organization with an active Board of Directors, of which he is a member, a professional staff and a diversified source of funding. His didactic approach to assisting farmers and other landowners in issues involving their Long Island parcels of land is one of patience, consistency, cooperation and creativity. He and his family are residents of Southampton Village.

A 1974 graduate of Dartmouth College, Halsey went on to pursue a graduate diploma in Social Sciences from the University of Stockholm, Sweden in 1976 and a masters of social welfare from the University of California at Berkeley in 1979. He was previously honored by Southampton College of Long Island University when he was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 1993. At that time, he was cited for his "patient and trusted voice of reason, drawing together disparate interests to produce innovative alternatives."

His civic duties have included seats on the Board of Directors for the Nassau Land Trust, South Fork Land Foundation, Long Island Community Foundation, New York Regional Association of Grantmakers, Peconic Landing, North American Land Trust, Southampton Youth Association as well as serving in various capacities for numerous other organizations.

Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by calling the Development Office at (631) 287-8347. Proceeds from the event support scholarships at Southampton College and the work of Peconic Land Trust.