August 14, 2025
(BS 鈥�90, journalism) was one of two recipients to win the University of Illinois Alumni Association鈥檚 2025 Illini Comeback Award.
Crawley, a.k.a. 鈥淥cean Annie,鈥� is a pioneering underwater filmmaker, environmental photojournalist, author, and ocean advocate whose career spans more than three decades.
She has become a driving force for ocean literacy, exploration and conservation through immersive storytelling and education. She founded 鈥淒ive Into Your Imagination鈥濃�攁 series of award-winning illustrated books and award-winning DVDs that have reached global audiences, inspiring millions to care for and become a voice for oceans.
Join the Ebert Center for Film Studies on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Spurlock Musem for a The event is free and open to the public.
Crawley’s recent work includes ocean-themed visual compositions for symphonies with renowned composer Stella Sung鈥攎erging science, music, and art to spotlight noise, chemical, and sound pollution. Her latest documentary, The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo, highlights shark conservation and the fight against illegal fishing in Colombia.
As a columnist for Scuba Diving Magazine and an in-demand speaker, Crawley challenges us to dive deeper鈥攖o hear the ocean鈥檚 story and recognize the role we all play in the ocean鈥檚 future.
Since 1980, when the Illini Comeback Award was established, the UIAA has invited prominent and accomplished alumni back to the campus to participate in various activities during Homecoming Weekend.
Honorees are provided opportunities to interact with current students and share information about their professional experiences and the value of their University of Illinois education.
UIAA Alumni Awards will be presented in conjunction with September 21-27.
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