Honoring Outstanding Volunteer Service at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Volunteers are a vital part of our mission to instill a sense of wonder, connect people to the ocean, and build a more sustainable future. In 2025, we introduced the Ivolou R. Corston Volunteer Service Award in honor of one of our volunteers who inspired people to find joy and dedicate their time to service throughout her lifetime, Ivolou R. Corston.
Over the course of her service at the Aquarium, Ivolou donated more than 6,000 hours of her time. She left a lasting impression on the volunteers she mentored, the paid staff she supported, and the guests she welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm.
This annual award recognizes volunteers who exemplify Ivolou’s spirit: her compassion, her leadership, and her commitment to service.
Ivolou Corston volunteered throughout the Aquarium, including with the education and marketing teams. Over the years, she became a mentor, a role model, and a friend for so many. Her calm presence reassured guests and staff alike. And her dedication inspired others to serve, including her own family, who continue to volunteer in her honor.
Paid staff and volunteers remember Ivolou not only for her service, but also for her spirit.
As one staff member shared, “Her endless enthusiasm, her caring concern, her ability to uplift those around her—these live on in everyone who knew her.”
The Ivolou Volunteer Service Award ensures her legacy continues thanks to the generous support of her daughter Jennifer Hagle and her family.
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Michael Seckington volunteers across multiple departments, including education, husbandry, and special events. Whether he’s leading whale watch tours, guiding Make-A-Wish visitors, or mentoring campers, he brings a sense of care and connection to everything he does. His ability to make others feel seen and valued reflects the true heart of volunteerism. One nominator wrote, “He redefines what it means to give your time.” Another shared, “Mike inspires me to be grateful, loving, and caring for everyone and everything.”
The award captures the special spirit brought by all Aquarium volunteers. Across our departments, we have so many deserving volunteer awardees. We are proud to recognize the following volunteers nominated by their Aquarium staff peers for their outstanding service and contributions to our community:
These individuals represent nearly every department at the Aquarium. Collectively, they have contributed more than 115,000 hours of service.
The Aquarium owes much of its success to our dedicated and committed volunteer staff. You can be part of that story by joining our team in one of the many volunteer or intern programs that we offer throughout the Aquarium.
