The Award Commends Individuals Who Exemplify Dumas’ Commitment to Community, Educational Prowess, and Support for Students
Tim Rudnick, founder of the Venice Oceanarium, will be awarded the Joëlle Award for Excellence in Education by the Venice Chamber of Commerce. The announcement makes him the second recipient of the prestigious accolade.
Named in tribute to Joëlle Dumas, the award commends individuals who exemplify Dumas’ commitment to community, educational prowess, and support for students. The presentation of the award will take place during the WAVE Awards on Thursday, May 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Westside Vineyard.
In a news release, Rudnick recounted a pivotal moment during his biology studies where he sought a topic for a paper. Delving into conceptualizing plans for repurposing the old Pavilion of Venice Beach into a marine museum, Rudnick’s research led him to John Olguin, director emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Olguin’s encouragement to initiate the museum on the beach ignited Rudnick’s passion, culminating in the establishment of the Venice Oceanarium in 1995.
Functioning as a museum without walls, the Venice Oceanarium offers educational programs and events centered on the marine life of Venice Beach. Activities range from beach readings and annual marathon readings of “Moby Dick” to grunion parties, tide pool talks, and nature walks. Moreover, the Oceanarium’s Sunday pop-up museum on the Venice fishing pier showcases ocean specimens and sparks children’s creativity with activities like drawing fish.
Despite ongoing challenges, Rudnick remains resolute in his dedication to marine education and community involvement, with the ultimate aspiration of establishing a permanent museum facility at the end of the Venice Pier, the press release stated.
Themed “Inspiring Equity,” this year’s awards spotlight educators focusing on Social-Emotional Learning and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, reflecting the current social and emotional landscape.
For more information about the Venice Oceanarium and Tim Rudnick’s work, visit https://www.veniceoceanarium.org/ and follow them on Instagram @veniceoceanariumFor more information about The WAVE Awards and the Venice Chamber of Commerce, visit https://venicechamber.net/ and follow them on Instagram @venicechamber. To purchase tickets to this year’s WAVE awards, visit https://bit.ly/3w1wAL.
