Aquarium announces Mike Seckington as the recipient of the inaugural Ivolou R. Corston Volunteer Service Award
Aquarium’s new volunteer award celebrates the memory of Ivolou R. Corston and her impact as an Aquarium volunteer
Jennifer Hagle and Michael Seckington Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
June 12, 2025
Aquarium Volunteer Michael Seckington was awarded the inaugural Ivolou R. Corston Volunteer Service Award during this year’s Aquarium of the Pacific Volunteer Appreciation Night on May 4, 2025. Seckington was nominated by his fellow staff for his outstanding service, dedication, and kindness to others. He was selected from a pool of over twenty nominees by a committee of Aquarium staff, Board members, and supporters.
“His fellow staff members nominated him for being someone who lights up their days. They highlighted his small acts, like supporting a day camp child struggling to finish a project, leading an impromptu birthday song with a room full of strangers, and his way of quietly checking in with staff just to ask how their day is going,” said Aquarium of the Pacific Volunteer Services Director Cassandra Davis.
Seckington serves many roles at the Aquarium. He started our wish volunteer program with one simple gesture. He came across a family who was visiting the Aquarium as part of their Make-A-Wish program visit and helped them each touch a shark. Then he went to the volunteer services department and asked what else he could do. An idea was born which has helped visiting Make-a-Wish families connect with Aquarium volunteers and expand the program by taking pictures at the seal and sea lion window, arranging a gift at the gift store, a free photo from Amazing Pictures, and more.
“This embodies every day with Mike. He finds the beauty in the day and spreads it around the Aquarium at every turn. He knows how to make sure you know that you are important and happy to be seen every day he is here. From his animal husbandry volunteering to the tours he gives and experiences he provides aboard the daily whale watches as an education volunteer, Mike leads the way in service. This award is all about that,” said Davis.
The Aquarium introduced the award, named in honor of Ivolou R. Corston, who donated over 6,000 hours of volunteer service and supported her fellow staff in numerous ways. “Her legacy is all around us—from the family she inspired to become part of our Aquarium—to the countless guests and team members she touched with her kindness and dedication,” said Davis.
She spent more than a decade of her life volunteering at the Aquarium through her roles, including in the education and marketing departments. “She was not only someone you could count on, but also someone who cared deeply and always brought joy to those around her from Aquarium visitors to her colleagues. I feel so fortunate to have known Ivolou and for our friendship. It is wonderful that others will get to know how special she was as they learn about this award,” said Marilyn Padilla, Aquarium of the Pacific public relations director.
Three generations of volunteers: Ivolou Corston, Jennifer Hagle, and Eric Hagle. Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Three Generations of Volunteers
Corston was part of a family that exemplified multi-generational commitment to the Aquarium and whose generous support made this award possible. Her grandson helped to pilot the Aquarium’s acclaimed VolunTEEN program as a high school student, along with being an education volunteer and intern, and her other grandchildren volunteered in various capacities throughout the years as well. Her daughter, Jennifer Hagle, has served on the Aquarium’s Board of Directors more than twenty years and is the current Board Chair. Corston brought a vibrant spirit to the Aquarium, spreading her enthusiasm to staff and visitors alike. This has had a lasting impact on those that worked with her.
Volunteers make a vital difference each day across the Aquarium, interacting with guests, caring for the animals, diving in exhibits, supporting administrative staff, and more. They contribute more than 137,000 hours per year and come from all walks of life.
