From the Nominator

"Ohio State Alumni Magazine produced a comprehensive package examining the pioneering careers of climate scientists and alumni Lonnie Thompson ’73 MS, ’76 PhD and Ellen Mosley-Thompson ’75 MA, ’79 PhD, anchored by a mainbar written by science writer Laura Ahrenschield. Thompson and Mosley-Thompson are distinguished university professors world-renowned for their contributions to climate science and commitment to preparing future generations of scientists. They continue to teach and conduct research in their 70s, giving the magazine a rare storytelling opportunity. 

In Arenschield’s story—complemented by a detailed infographic, mini photo story, and timeline that puts the scientists’ careers in perspective with the world’s understanding of climate change—the magazine shared the contributions of Thompson and Mosley-Thompson, detailed their experiences leading dozens of expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, and the tallest peaks in the tropics, and shared their messages of concern and hope for the planet.   

As evidenced by the resulting letters and online comments, readers absorbed and appreciated the story. Fourteen donors contributed to a scholarship fund revived to coincide with the package’s publication."

From the Judges

“Ice Sages” was at once captivating, warm, and memorable. This story wowed us and it was the only story shared by some panelists with family members as a “must-read.” The Thompsons’ life story was inherently interesting, but Laura Arenschield brought us right to the top of the Peruvian mountain, the 1969 Christmas party where the couple met, and other key events in their lives and careers, and deftly explained the role they played in important discoveries related to one of the most vital research areas of our time.