Peter Ralston, photographer and Island Institute Executive Vice President, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College in recognition of his work as a “photographer, environmentalist, and advocate for Maine’s coastal communities.”

“We honor your devotion to things close to home, for your artistic talent in sharing those things with the world, and the record you have provided of a threatened coastal way of life,” said Colby President William Adams.

Ralston’s work has appeared in 34 books and more than 50 magazines, as well as having been exhibited in galleries across the United States and abroad. Ralston co-founded the Island Institute in 1983 with Philip Conkling.