Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society 50th Anniversary Celebration

As we mark a significant milestone in our journey, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to join us in celebrating our organization's 50th anniversary. The upcoming weekend promises to be a memorable one, filled with exciting events and opportunities to connect with fellow Society members who are traveling from various corners of the globe. Whether you have been part of our annual events for years or are joining us for the first time this year, we are excited to welcome you all and make this anniversary celebration truly special.

Here is a quick rundown of the events:

FRIDAY, May 31st:

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Alumni Symposium at The Asia Society, located at 725 Park Avenue

We get the weekend started with our first-ever Alumni Symposium! We will hear from Scholar and Intern alumni as they share the exciting paths their careers have taken them since their OWUSS experiences. Coffee and tea will be available to start the morning before presentations start at 8:30. In our effort to minimize single-use plastics, we kindly request that you bring your own water bottle for refilling. (Food and unsealed beverage containers will not be allowed in the auditorium.)The Alumni Symposium is made possible through the generous support of Rolex as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

6:00 PM: Friends and Family Reception and Buffet Dinner at The New York Yacht Club, located at 37 W. 44th Street

Friday night kicks off with a buffet style dinner at the legendary New York Yacht Club. All attendees are invited to join us. Cocktail reception starts at 6:00, followed by dinner at 7:00. This event calls for semi-formal attire, which means dressier than business attire but not as dressy as a gown or tuxedo. Despite the semi-formal dress code, the event itself is informal, offering a chance for Society supporters and alumni to reconnect with old friends, catch up with past Scholars and Interns, and meet our new and recent Scholars and Interns. The menu will feature a range of options including meat, veggie, and vegan dishes. We extend our gratitude to Divers Alert Network for their generous support in making this Friday evening event possible.

SATURDAY, June 1st:

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Symposium at The Times Center, located at 242 West 41st Street
The Saturday Symposium, hosted by Michael Emmerman as our master of ceremonies, offers a valuable chance to delve deeper into the experiences of our returning Scholars and Interns. Coffee and tea will be available to start the morning before presentations start at 9:30. Like Friday, we kindly request that you bring your own water bottle for refilling. (Food and unsealed beverage containers will not be allowed in the auditorium.)

5:30 – 10:00 PM: Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society 50th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony at The Times Center.

On Saturday night, the highlight of the weekend will be the Society’s 50th Anniversary Awards Program, a celebration of all the supporters and friends of the Society, whose unwavering dedication has played a crucial role in the Society’s success and achievements.

The festivities will commence at 5:30 PM with a delightful selection of drinks and light refreshments, creating a perfect ambiance for socializing. The culinary experience will include a diverse range of appetizers, including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone to relish.

The formal program will commence at 7:00 PM, promising an exciting lineup of events.
This enchanting evening will honor our returning Scholars and Interns, featuring the world premiere videos from our 2023 Scholars, captivating special presentations, and the introduction of the 2024 Interns and Scholars. The dress code for this event is semi-formal, allowing guests to enjoy the evening in style while feeling at ease. We encourage attendees to choose attire that aligns with this dress code.

The Saturday Symposium and 50th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony are made possible through the generous support of Rolex as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

10:30 PM - ??: After Party More Details to Come

We are working on a great location where you can let your hair down, raise a glass, and indulge in more fun!

SUNDAY, June 2nd:

10:00 AM – ??: Coffee in the Park (Not that Park) at Greenacre Park, located at 217 East 51st Street. Just around the block from the Hilton Garden Inn - Midtown East

There is no better way to recover from Saturday night than to grab a coffee and bagel from a nearby shop and come join us for a completely optional and informal gathering in Greenacre Park. This beautiful little oasis has a waterfall, a tree-lined terrace, and sunny seating areas with movable tables and chairs. Stop in for a quick hello before heading home, or for those staying for the Sunday evening Story Collider event, hang out as long as you like.

Sunday Evening: OWUSS Story Collider at the Theater at St. Johns, located at184 East 76th Street

In another first, OWUSS is partnering with The Story Collider to host a public storytelling show to help kick-off World Oceans Week. Five OWUSS alumni will share personal stories about how the ocean has affected their lives and the lives of others. This event will be open to the public and will have its own separate registration page (to come).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

New York, United States