Cristián Samper, PhD

2021 Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

In recognition of his global influence on conservation biology, his relentless dedication to safeguarding biodiversity and his enduring appreciation for The Garden Club of America.

Proposed by: The Southampton Garden Club, Zone III

Cristián Samper is a global authority on biology and environmental policy. As a graduate student at Harvard in 1989, he received a GCA scholarship—The Garden Club of America Award in Tropical Botany. He credits this award with “changing his life.” His leadership skills enable him to inspire others and effect global change. After serving as director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, Cristián became president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). WCS works on four continents and in 60 countries to save wildlife and wild places.

Under his leadership, WCS has created over 265 terrestrial and marine conservation areas. He has forged partnerships with non-governmental organizations, foundations, and government leaders. Demonstrating his commitment to inspire the next generation to protect the biodiversity of our planet, Cristián created a fellowship in his native Colombia. He has devoted his life to preserving and protecting the world around us.

The Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal is awarded, by specific request, to non-members for exemplary service and creative vision in any field related to The Garden Club of America’s special interests.

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor (1918–2014) was a member of The Garden Club of Nashville, Zone IX, a GCA director and GCA Executive Committee vice president. She served on the Nominating, Literary, and Founders Fund committees and chaired the Public Relations and Visiting Gardens committees. She was instrumental in the relocation of the Howe Garden to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in 1968 and was a two-term mayor of the city of Belle Meade. She received the Zone IX Creative Leadership Award in 1982 and the GCA’s Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal for outstanding civic achievement in 1991. Elizabeth served on the boards of the American Horticultural Society, Mount Vernon, and Historic Kenmore in Virginia. The award was originally known as the Special Citation (1963–2003). It was endowed by the Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Charitable Foundation in June 2003 and first awarded in 2004.

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