The Au Sable Institute is delighted to announce the winners of its first annual Alumni Photo Contest, celebrating the theme of "Restoration of All Things." Over 50 submissions were received from alumni worldwide, and we are grateful for all of the inspiring photos!
Laura Geissinger has been awarded first place for her photograph of a Pasque Flower taken in Denali National Park. Laura's winning image will be prominently displayed on our campus, and she will receive an assortment of Au Sable swag, including a tee-shirt, mug, and ballcap.
We also extend our congratulations to our runner-up, Kevin Vande Vusse, and our honorable mention, Jonathan Crossman, for their exceptional contributions. Both Kevin's and Jonathan's photos will be printed, framed, and displayed alongside Laura's. As a token of our appreciation, they will receive Au Sable tee-shirts.
We thank all participants for their submissions and for sharing their inspiring images of restoration and hope.
“All Things New” - Laura Geissinger. “This photo of a Pasque flower was taken in Denali National Park, Alaska. Here, winter lasts for over half of the year. Plants retain their dead leaves for insulation in the extreme environment. In the spring, you can see life emerging from the dead leaves, appearing very vibrant and joyous. I am reminded every spring as I watch plants emerge that while there is death in this life, God makes all things new and restores what is broken.”
“Keel Billed Touan” - Kevin Vande Vusse. “While staying in Boca Topada, Costa Rica on a birding and photography trip, I loved watching the playful and vibrant toucans dance and dart through the lush rainforest trees. While eating lunch one afternoon, it started to lightly rain. This Keel-billed Toucan visited at very close range and the rain added a beautiful touch to the photograph, really giving it a "rainforest" feel.”
“Winged Hope” - Jonathan Crossman. “As the polar region rapidly changes, snowy owls are now having to adapt to altering habitat and prey availability. Hope is seen in this image as even amongst the abandoned man-made structure, a perch is created allowing the snowy owl to hunt even over the snowless landscape. Unfurled bird wings often remind me of the Biblical imagery describing angel wings. As with the angels who came bringing good news of the coming Savior, so signals the flapping of bird wings pointing to the resilience of creation and hope for the restoration of His handiwork.”