Miami Shores, Florida - Barry University professor Sharon Kegeles, facilitator of the sport management-diving industry program, has been awarded a Bonaire Ambassador Medal by the country's minister of tourism. The Ambassador Medal is awarded to individuals who have come to the island over a period of years and have helped promote tourism on the island.

Kegeles, a resident of Bay Harbor Island, has been traveling to the island of Bonaire, located in the Dutch Caribbean for 21 years.

The natives on the island nominated Kegeles for the medal, for her hard-work and continued support of Bonaire.

"The unexpected recognition by the government of bringing divers for many years to the country of Bonaire has filled me with pride," Kegeles said. "Everyone who knows me is aware of Bonaire as a dive destination; and everyone who travels there with me understands why I fall in love with the place over and over again. This is a very special place that touches the lives of all who travel there."

Kegeles and her crew work with the Marine Park Foundation, which is an underwater protected marine park, where they participate in underwater clean-ups. "We try to give back to Bonaire as much as we can; this is my second home and I feel it is my responsibility as an ambassador to keep it beautiful," Kegeles said.

Kegeles and a group of students will be returning to Bonaire in the spring for continued education in diving.

For more information, contact BU's Kegeles at 305-899-3499.