Four Americans have been honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and were presented their medals by Ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott, at a ceremony Feb. 12, 2014 at the British Embassy in Washington.
Dr. Keith Delaplane, professor and Walter B. Hill Fellow with the University of Georgia’s Department of Entomology, has been made an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his outstanding services to beekeeping.
Captain Brian Jordan, United States Marine Corps, has received the British Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.
Ms Shari McGraw, Co-Head of Human Resources at the British Embassy, has been made an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her significant achievements in public service.
Ms Judith O’Rourke, Director of Undergraduate Studies at Syracuse University, has been made an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to the communities of Syracuse and Lockerbie following the attack on Pan Am 103 in 1988.
“I am delighted that the work of Dr Delaplane, Captain Jordan, Ms McGraw, and Ms O’Rourke has been recognized with these awards,” said Ambassador Peter Westmacott. “Their contributions to the United Kingdom have been invaluable in each of their fields and underscore the deep relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.”
The UK honors system recognizes exceptional achievement and service to the nation, and includes non-British nationals who receive “Honorary” awards for their important contribution to British interests. All British honors are awarded on merit, and honorary awards are conferred by HM The Queen on the advice of the Government.
Keith Delaplane’s involvement in apiculture and conservation is renowned on a local, national and international scale. He has written 247 publications, completed 182 presentations at professional meetings. Lectured at 236 local meetings: supervised seven research graduates and received many awards at international level. He was an unpaid program reviewer for the United Kingdom Natural Environment Research Council in 2000. Over the past 11 years, he has given support to local beekeepers and he is well known for his scientific and educational work.