2017 Award Winners

Stephen D. Baker '84, March '88

Steve has contributed for many years in a variety of areas to MIT. He has been especially outstanding in his service to Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups (FSILGs). Since receiving the Lobdell Award in 2012, Steve has increased, broadened, and deepened his engagement within the Alumni Association and the Institute. He is a frequent contributor in the Division of Student Life and was an important member of the last two MIT Search Committees for the Dean of Student Life. Steve has been a member of the Dean for Student Life Visiting Committee since 2009 and is an active and thoughtful participant. He was a key presenter at a recent committee meeting, where he described a proposal that has influenced West Campus planning. Steve has served the Alumni Association as a mentor to four different undergraduate students over a period of six years in the Community Catalyst Leadership Program. In 2013, he was selected to serve on the Alumni Association Board, and, in 2016, was asked to extend for another year, which he did graciously. In his role on the board, Steve worked closely with the newly formed Graduate Alumni Council, leading the group's Graduate Alumni Working Group, and he used data to understand graduate-exclusive alumni engagement. In 2014–2015, Steve served on the board of the MIT Alumni Association's Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Alumni of MIT affinity group (BGLATA). These roles enrich and inform each other and collectively allow Steve to be an extremely effective advocate for the partnership between FSILGs and MIT. His contributions to MIT's FSILG community have reinvigorated and renewed MIT's historically strong and vibrant relationship with its independent living groups. Alumni and staff appreciate Steve's hard work, thoughtfulness, kindness, and leadership abilities. His volunteer work on behalf of MIT, the Alumni Association, his fraternity, and the FSILG community is broad, consistent, and transformative. Steve epitomizes all that the Bronze Beaver Award represents.

James S. Banks '76

Jim's volunteerism exemplifies extraordinary breadth and depth of service to the Institute. He returned to MIT just three months after graduation as a member of the Hewlett-Packard (HP) corporate recruiting team, a role that he continued until 2005. As the face of HP on campus for decades, Jim always made his time, expertise, and connections available, and always found ways to do more. Working with the MIT Career Services Office, Jim served for almost a decade as a recruiter for HP and as a mentor for under-represented minority graduate and undergraduate students. Later, Jim supported Career Services with facilities renovation funding and equipment grants, advised on new recruiting process tools, and assisted in their transition to a paperless resume process. Jim has been a tireless advocate for minority education inside and outside of the classroom. As a first-year student, he served as a member of Chancellor Paul Gray's Task Force on Educational Opportunity which led to the formation of the Office of Minority Education (OME). After graduation, he served for more than 15 years on the OME Industrial Advisory Committee on Minority Education, which he helped found. Jim has been involved with the MIT chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) through two decades of mentorship, equipment sponsorship, unofficial corporate advising, and resume and interview skills workshops for current students. Jim is deeply engaged with Black Alumni of MIT (BAMIT), holding the positions of board member, parliamentarian, nominations chair, vice chair, and chair. Under Jim's leadership, closer ties between BAMIT and the MIT administration were initiated and continue today to address pressing issues affecting the MIT black student community. He served two terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is currently vice president of his class. Academic departments, administrative offices, the Alumni Association, campus student organizations, graduate organizations, alumni, and current students have all have benefited from Jim's tireless and enthusiastic support. The Bronze Beaver recognizes Jim's many years of distinguished service as a volunteer leader, an important collaborator, and an inspiring mentor to MIT students.

Nicolas E. Chammas SM '87

Nicolas has been a trailblazer in a variety of roles for the Association and the Institute. He served as president of the Club of Lebanon from 1987–2003 and made important strides toward club sustainability by ensuring an adequate leadership pipeline and succession plan. Nicolas transformed the Educational Council in the Middle East and North Africa. As regional chair for Arab countries, his leadership developed a very strong program with more than 40 educational counselors across the region, including four vice chairs who manage sub-regions, and nearly quadrupled the number of active volunteers during his tenure. Nicolas is the founder of the MIT Enterprise Forum (EF) for the Pan-Arab Region. The chapter promotes MIT-style entrepreneurship through business plan competitions and has been extremely successful in garnering the interest of alumni and non-alumni alike. In its first year, the competition attracted more than 1,600 participants from across the Arab world. Later competitions have been even more successful and broadcasted on four regional TV channels. The chapter enlisted a dedicated group of volunteers and locked in long-term sponsorship and assistance contracts. Nicolas served several terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was the first director to represent the international community. He has served as vice president and president of the Alumni Association. During his board terms, he served on the Finance Committee, the Ad-Hoc Committee on International Strategy, the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Role of Directors, and chaired the board's International Working Group. He is an active and visible MIT ambassador and promoter in the Middle East and worldwide. The Association's highest honor not only recognizes his amazing record, it also sends a powerful message to international volunteers that the most effective and eloquent MIT flag-bearers, even so far away from Cambridge, are appreciated and deservedly recognized. The Bronze Beaver honors Nicolas' many years of exemplary service to MIT and its global community.

Stacey T. Nakamura '80

Stacey has a distinguished record of service to the MIT community through his willingness to share expertise, his three years of service on the Alumni Association Board, his 10 years as president for the Class of 1980, and his outstanding leadership of the MIT Club of South Texas, where he consistently goes to great lengths. His impact may be the greatest in his beta testing of Encompass/iModules and his support in providing best practices to MIT volunteers. Stacey has consistently made suggestions for improvements to the software and has spoken at several Alumni Leadership Conferences, sharing tips and tricks to best use the program. Stacey's effectiveness with Encompass is evident in his role as webmaster, vice president of operations, and vice president of membership for the South Texas club. Stacey first stepped into a club leadership position as vice president of young alumni events in 1997 and later served as club president for four one-year terms. Stacey is an invaluable member of the local board and handles many of the responsibilities necessary to the functioning of the club, including maintaining its website, sending semi-monthly emails to alumni and MIT parents, advertising club events, and maintaining the membership rolls. Stacey is also a dedicated volunteer for the Class of 1980. He has served on the Class Reunion Committee and is in his second five-year term as class president. Stacey has worked on fundraising for the class since 2005, rising to the level of co-chair of the Fund Reunion Gift Committee from 2009–2014. For the past three years, Stacey has been a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and served on the board's Program Committee and the Mega Club Council. Stacey's classmates appreciate his leadership skills and his outstanding, multifaceted, and sustained record of service to MIT. Stacey is an exceptional volunteer leader, and the Bronze Beaver is a fitting tribute to his tremendous commitment and ongoing enthusiasm for the Institute.

Timothy J. Aune '85

Tim served as chair of the MIT Annual Fund board from 2014–2016. With a background in DAPER and class-based fundraising, he joined the fund board as a member-at-large before serving as Goals Committee Chair. Many important transitions occurred under Tim's leadership. The fund board debated and approved a plan to modify reunion gift crediting guidelines to make them consistent across all classes. The Annual Fund board also grappled with another difficult policy change—elevating the entry level of the William Barton Rogers Society—under Tim's leadership. Very notably, Tim was the first fund board chair to be conferred an ex-officio role as a member of the Corporation Development Committee (CDC). His focus was to maintain and strengthen ties between the CDC and the MIT Annual Fund board and to increase understanding about the role of annual giving at MIT among CDC volunteers. As an ambassador, Tim was not only an effective educator among peers in articulating the role of annual giving, but he was also an advocate for the importance of donor participation. The Kane Award recognizes Tim's leadership, ability to motivate fellow volunteers, and his tireless advocacy in support of MIT.

Tamra L. Johnson '01

Tamra has been an actively engaged fundraising volunteer for many years. Given her outstanding record as a young alumna fundraiser, Tamra was appointed to the Annual Fund board in fiscal year 2013 for a three-year term, and she served with great distinction. She has also held roles on her class reunion gift committees, as a member of the 5th and 10th gift committees, and as co-chair of the 15th gift committee. Tamra's commitment to her role was evident from the beginning. She analyzed the goal-setting data, asked astute questions during the process, and pushed her class to new levels of participation. She led conference calls, crafted motivational emails, encouraged sign up for virtual telethons, and offered solicitation tips and tricks. Tamra checked in with volunteers individually throughout the year to check on their outreach and to address any concerns or questions. Her leadership of the 23-person team helped the committee achieved fundraising results of $335,333.59 and 29.56 percent participation. Their fundraising result shattered their $175,000 goal. This award honors Tamra's enthusiasm, personal attention to others, enduring commitment to her classmates, and skill in raising needed funds for MIT.

Natalie M. Lorenz-Anderson '84

Natalie has a long history of service to the Institute, and many of her contributions to MIT are dedicated to fundraising. Natalie was a committed member of her class' 30th Reunion Gift Committee in 2013–2014. The Class of 1984 set an ambitious goal of 40 percent participation and Natalie was their most diligent volunteer. She consistently reached out to classmates, followed up, and encouraged participation in the Reunion Gift Campaign and attendance at Tech Reunions. She solicited more classmates than any other member of the committee, participated in virtual telethons, and was responsive to the class staff liaison. Her ad-hoc leadership on conference calls as well as her support and encouragement on committee emails helped spur other volunteers to more activity and led to increased numbers of peer solicitations throughout the year. As chair of the William Barton Rogers Society, Natalie led an exceptional group of philanthropic leaders for the Institute. She used every opportunity to remind fellow alumni of the value of MIT and the important role philanthropy plays in achieving progress and positive change. She galvanized a community of 4,000 donors and alumni, inspired them with her passion and leadership, and helped raise $63 million of leadership gifts in fiscal year 2016. This award recognizes Natalie's service to the Institute and her passion for giving back through fundraising.

O. Reid Ashe Jr. '70

Reid became an educational counselor in 1975 and has consistently turned in exemplary interview reports and showed a great ability to relate to students and parents at central meetings and school visits. He served as regional chair in Richmond, VA, for eight years and was recognized for this work with a Morgan Award in 2009. Reid's thoughtfulness and approach to problem solving led to an alumni term on the MIT Corporation and service on multiple visiting committees for the Institute, including the Humanities Visiting Committee, the Media Lab Visiting Committee, and the Libraries Visiting Committee. Reid recently completed service on the Alumni Association's Corporation Nominating Committee, where he was an extraordinary contributor. Reid's connection to his graduating class remains strong, and he served on class reunion committees for his 25th and 45th reunions. He worked on class gift committees for his 30th, 35th, 40th, and 45th reunions, and he remains deeply connected to his Phi Beta Epsilon (PBE) fraternity, where he has been a stalwart at annual reunions. When PBE celebrated its 125th anniversary, Reid was the natural choice to give the address at the celebratory banquet. Reid sets an inspirational example of ongoing engagement with MIT and is truly deserving of the Lobdell Award.

Laurie Dean Baird SM '92

Laurie has been a dedicated volunteer to MIT for many years. As treasurer of the MIT Club of Boston, she was one of few graduate-degree-exclusive alumni officers of the club. Her work was on time, detailed, and strategically focused on key initiatives for the club. She set new procedures for club accounting, made suggestions about expenditures and savings, and managed the large club's assets extraordinarily well. After moving to the Atlanta, GA, area, she became active with the local club and especially active with the Atlanta chapter of the MIT Enterprise Forum. Her early work with the Enterprise Forum chapter was analytical. She evaluated the chapter's membership program and provided insightful statistics for the acquisition, renewal, and conservation of dues-paying members. Laurie was elected to serve on the Alumni Association Selection Committee and, in this role, she once again provided thoughtful, genuine, and strategic advice. She was invited to serve a three-year term on the Global MIT Enterprise Forum Board, where she established valuable relationships as a global board liaison, was a regular contributor during board meetings, and led the content subcommittee of the board, managing global broadcasts and other program development initiatives. She served two terms as a member of the Humanities Visiting Committee of the Corporation, and, in 2014, she joined the Association Board of Directors. During her board term she chaired the Finance Committee, and her interactions with the board continue to provide an insight to what she does best—leading with thoughtful, strategic guidance. This award honors Laurie's enthusiasm, generosity, and tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of the Alumni Association and MIT.

John J. Golden Jr. '65

John has many years of service as a volunteer leader for his class and for MIT reunion gift committees, class reunion program committees, MIT Annual Fund Board, inaugural chair of the 1861 Circle, and his roles with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In each role, he demonstrates leadership, collaboration, impact, and passion for strengthening the MIT alumni community. John has been involved with the MIT Annual Fund since 1993 when he became class agent, which he maintains today. John writes thank you notes to his classmates who contribute to the Institute and emphasizes the importance of giving at any level. With his longstanding commitment to alumni participation, coupled with his own support of the Institute as a donor, he became chair of the 1861 Circle, where he helped lead the group's development and growth. John has been a part of his Reunion Gift Committee since his 25th reunion. He served as co-chair for the 50th Reunion Gift Committee and gladly took on the role of connecting with nearly 200 of his classmates, including many "never" donors. John helped convert 10 percent of his classmates who had never given into donors in honor of their 50th reunion. As a member of the MIT Annual Fund Board from 2006–2009, and through his continued involvement with the board, John helped develop concepts for annual giving that have been transformational, including the William Barton Rogers Society. This award recognizes John as a humble and decisive alumnus leader who encourages all alumni to engage with the Alumni Association and MIT.

Sara Michelle Adams Harton SM '83

Michelle is an outstanding leader and valued member of the MIT community. For 15 years, she has played an integral role in strengthening BAMIT's presence in Chicago and BAMIT's advocacy efforts at MIT. As a member of the BAMIT Chicago Steering Committee, she leveraged her teaching experience and community connections to spearhead the highly successful educational outreach efforts of the Chicago chapter. Michelle crafted and launched a series of innovative initiatives that helped bring the MIT experience dramatically closer to talented students in Chicago and, in the process, made the MIT dream more accessible. This effort, initiated in 2000, has resulted in the establishment of powerful outreach activities that currently reach students at more than 60 Chicago-area high schools. Michelle continues to serve as the leader of the BAMIT Chicago team that manages these events and as the MIT Educational Council liaison for BAMIT Chicago. Michelle recently played a very active role with BAMIT on the national level. She joined the BAMIT Board of Directors in 2014, where she served as corresponding secretary and took a very active role in BAMIT's engagement with the MIT Admissions Office. She became chair of the board for BAMIT in 2015. Michelle is a tremendously talented volunteer leader and thoughtful ambassador for the Institute, and she is a most deserving recipient of the Lobdell Award.

Agnes Ho MBA '95

Agnes provides remarkable service to the Alumni Association and MIT through her volunteer work in the MIT Club of Hong Kong and her persistent effort in supporting the MIT Educational Council as regional vice chair for the area. After becoming involved in the club in 1996, Agnes has been instrumental in developing the club as its alumni base has grown significantly. She is a long-time club officer who has met with members, collected feedback on activities and governance, and actively recruited new volunteers. As club treasurer (1997–2005) she represented the club at the city's annual Ivy League Ball from 1998–2002, and as an advisor from 2004–2005. The continuity of her representation solidified the club's relationship with leaders at the city's Ivy League alumni clubs. Such a bonding greatly helped the club as it led its annual Invitational Sports Day, a signature event that dates back to the 1980s. Agnes has planned and executed a growing number of events of greater diversity—academic, social, family-oriented—in her capacity as the club's vice president from 2005–2009. The club hosted an average of one event per month by 2009, up from one event per quarter in 1999. In addition, the maximum number of guests the club hosted on major events grew from 20 in the 1990s to more than 100 a decade later. Agnes has served as an educational counselor since 1998 and now serves as the EC vice chair for Hong Kong. Agnes is a charismatic and passionate leader for the Institute, and the Lobdell Award celebrates her many contributions to MIT.

Arthur A. Katz '61

A past recipient of the Morgan Award, Arthur served as an educational counselor for several years before becoming regional director for 37 years. During that time, Arthur's region conducted 3,000 interviews, saw more than 1,000 of its applicants admitted, and celebrated 500 graduations. Arthur has also served as class officer, club officer, vice president, class secretary, webmaster, and a member of the MIT Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is currently a member of the Association's selection committee, and he has been active in his class fund reunion gift committee at every reunion. He first stepped into his role as class secretary on short notice, and he compiled class notes and distributed them to class members. He later became class webmaster, and placed an entire record of class notes, photos, and other memorabilia on the website to celebrate the 55th reunion. The variety and breadth of Arthur's service is truly impressive, and the Lobdell Award recognizes his many years of distinguished service to the Educational Council, his class, and the Institute.

Reynold H. Lewke '76, SM '76

Reynold is an outstanding alumnus volunteer with more than 35 years of service to MIT. His service began in 1979 as an educational counselor and later focused on fundraising. He volunteered for nearly a decade on the Annual Fund telethon and later as a member of the Alumni Fund Visiting Program, where he became chair for both activities. Reynold became a member of the Annual Fund Board and was awarded the Henry B. Kane '24 Award in 2006 for his longstanding contributions in fundraising for MIT. Since that time, Reynold has served a second term on the Annual Fund Board and volunteered on numerous committees for the Alumni Association. He has been secretary of the Class of 1976 for the past 15 years and recently served on the Alumni Association's Board of Directors. He led the Class of 1976's record-setting 40th Reunion Gift Committee. He has served on seven reunion gift committees, and as class president. He was vice president of the MIT Club of Germany, member of the host committee for the MIT Campaign for a Better World in San Francisco, and served as chair of the William Barton Rogers Society. Reynold is a significant contributor to the Institute, and the Lobdell Award is a fitting tribute that recognizes his outstanding dedication and tremendous commitment to MIT.

James D. Shields '71, SM '72

Jim has been a vital part of his class reunion gift committee since his 25th reunion and has served as co-chair since his 30th reunion. As co-chair for his 45th Reunion Gift Committee, Jim was a calm and rational leader whose expertise in volunteer fundraising was visible to his classmates and staff. He is able to explain concepts, best practices, and strategy to both new and seasoned volunteers. He is a well-liked member of his class who motivates fellow committee members and helps reconnect classmates. His fundraising knowledge and understanding of solicitation best practices makes him a leader who is very responsive to communications, is never late with marketing edits, and takes his fundraising efforts seriously. Nearly every person on Jim's prospect list made a gift to the Reunion Gift Campaign, many due to his personal outreach efforts. He even secured a gift from a classmate who had previously said he would not support MIT and whose last gift had been more than five years earlier. Jim has served on many of his class reunion planning committees and has served on both the Annual Fund Board and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a valued volunteer in basketball and DAPER fundraising efforts and is active with the MIT Delta Tau Delta chapter, serving as its director several times over four decades. This award recognizes Jim as a model volunteer with a passion and commitment to the Institute-wide community.

Jennifer Yang '97

Jenn's volunteer service began as an undergraduate when she was a member of her Senior Gift Committee. Since that time, she has served as webmaster, member-at-large, and president. As class treasurer since 2007, she participated in her class reunion gift and planning committees. Rather than wait five years for their first reunion, as most classes did, Jenn and her Class of '97 classmates decided to have a reunion 3.14 years after their graduation. And Jenn served as Pi Reunion chair in 2000. Under her leadership, the Pi Reunion Committee created an innovative and exciting program in Las Vegas that attracted more than 100 alumni and guests. Jenn has taken on roles of increasing responsibility over the years. She served as a valued member of the Annual Fund Board from 2007–2010 and was a welcome addition to the Association Board of Directors and the Association's Corporation Nominating Committee. In each of these roles, Jenn displayed grace, professionalism, and initiative. Jenn's strong desire to encourage giving among her peers led to her involvement in the program development of the MIT Connection, a fundraising event program with a volunteer component for undergraduate alumni who graduated 11–24 years ago. She was a volunteer host at the MIT Connection DC event, where her volunteer role included editing emails, attending additional event planning calls, and speaking at the event. Jenn is unparalleled in the energy, initiative, and commitment she brings to her work for the Institute. She is a most deserving recipient of the Lobdell Award.

Arjun Dayal '08

Arjun is a brilliant, creative, and focused leader. He is a dedicated MIT10 volunteer who has twice been elected to serve as class president. Arjun has served on the committees for all of his class reunions, including Pi, 5th, and Mole. He works to keep his class connected to MIT by creating a class newsletter and establishing 15 regional representatives for events worldwide that includes a Facebook presence. Arjun began volunteering with the MIT Club of Northern California five years ago. He has led a number of key events for the club, including reimagining the San Francisco Toast to IAP event, which he hosted in 2016 in his office at Pocket Gems, a mobile video game platform. Arjun is a strategic advisor to the club president, and he accepted the club's challenge to encourage recent graduates to attend MIT's San Francisco Better World event. Arjun also led MIT10 engagement for the MIT2016 Centennial event. This award honors his passionate involvement and ability to engage others in meaningful ways.

Pamela Gannon '84

Pam has supported Alpha Phi as a member of the House Corporation Board, where she worked with the Institute to secure the first sorority house at MIT. She recently helped organize Alpha Phi's 25th anniversary at the house, which included students, alumni, and Institute leadership. She coordinates the production of a professionally produced semi-annual newsletter that is mailed to alumnae and parents of current undergraduate sisters. This has resulted in increased engagement of Alpha Phi's alumnae through activities and philanthropy. Pam's involvement goes beyond her sorority—she supports all FSILGs. She is a board member and secretary of the MIT Association of Independent Living Groups (AILG) and serves on the Community Relations Committee and the West Village (Greek Village) Steering Committee. As a parent alumna, she initiated and chairs the Parent Outreach Committee, which is leading efforts to reach students and alumni through programs and informational presentations for parents. She is a Parent Connector who volunteers annually at the Dean's Brunch during Parent Orientation. Pam is an MIT Crew parent liaison and the communications point person for the Parents of MIT Crew. She is poised, thoughtful, and upbeat, and this award recognizes her as a talented and inspired volunteer for MIT.

Samantha Marquart Brainard '11

A leader amongst her peers, Sam is tireless in her pursuit to shape the MIT community. She took part in many activities, including Senior Gift, as an undergraduate. While working to raise money as a part of the gift committee, Sam learned that her ability to connect with students was equally as important as securing a gift. Since graduation, Sam has been an educational counselor, MIT10 co-chair for the MIT Club of Washington, DC, member of the Legislative Advocacy Network, and a K–12 STEM Education volunteer. She served as co-chair for the Class of 2011 subcommittee of the MIT10 Gift Committee and as an advisor to staff and a coach for her fellow alumni. During her five years of service, she grew as a leader and took on new responsibilities, including serving as 5th Reunion Gift Committee co-chair. Sam has entered every MIT volunteer role with a warmth and affability that has led to her selection to the MIT Annual Fund Board. This award recognizes Sam as a passionate campaigner and enthusiastic advocate for MIT.

Aliza Blachman O'Keeffe SM '90

Aliza has shown dedication and commitment to MIT Sloan as a volunteer, donor, and ambassador. She has volunteered in several different capacities, including class agent and mentor, and she has served as the board chair of the MIT Sloan Alumni Board. Prior to serving as board chair, Aliza was an inaugural member of the executive committee that worked closely with the school to create the alumni board. Aliza has taken on many responsibilities as chair and is working to grow and develop the board. The Alumni Board has gained recognition around the Institute thanks to her quest to increase awareness of their work and commitment to the school. Aliza is a tremendous leader, partner, and advocate for the alumni community. The MIT Sloan Alumni Board would not be the thriving leadership entity that it is today without her dedication. Aliza's positive leadership, thoughtful guidance, and professionalism reflect her deep commitment to the Institute, and the MacVicar Award recognizes her invaluable contributions to the MIT community.

Dominic A. Ricci '99

Dom has contributed as a volunteer in many ways. He has held leadership roles in the MIT Club of New York since 2008 and served as vice president for social programs and inter-club relationships. He also stepped up to be his Reunion Gift Committee chair and take part in fundraising for MIT. His passion and innovative thinking around volunteer activities was evident when he was recruited to serve as a member of the inaugural MIT Connection NYC Committee and served as a volunteer host for an event. Dom is always willing to take on the challenge of speaking with long-lapsed and "never" donors. He has clear leadership ability, inspires others, and is an active participant during committee meetings, where he shares his tips and tricks for successful fundraising. Dom was selected to be a member of MIT's Annual Fund Board, and he has proven to be a valuable asset to the group. He shares candid feedback, asks keen questions, and offers creative ideas and suggestions to tackle challenges or enhance programs. Dom is a lasting asset to the Alumni Association and is very deserving of recognition with the MacVicar Award.

Daniel J. Serna '04

Daniel has shown innovation, perseverance, and impact in his volunteer work for the MIT Club of Dallas and Fort Worth. As vice president of programs, Daniel helped reinvigorate the group with his tireless efforts and program coordination. He helped with event registration, science material dispensation, and Lunch for Latinas in the STEM Dallas conference. He served as a judge in the 2015 North Texas Science Olympiad and coordinated the MIT Red Bull Air Race event, which featured pilots racing their planes through a tight course. Daniel helped form a partnership with the Dallas LIFE organization and coordinated the Dallas LIFE Day of Service in 2016, which brought STEM education programs to homeless and low-income children. He later coordinated a second Dallas LIFE Day of Service that engaged children in fun science experiments. Daniel planned and coordinated the Toast to IAP event and a private tour of the Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. He staffed the MIT booth at a high school engineering expo and is a member of the Legislative Advocacy Network and the K–12 STEM Education Network. Daniel has demonstrated a strong potential for future volunteer leadership and is most deserving of recognition with the MacVicar Award.

Oliver R. Smoot Jr. '62

Ollie is a dedicated member of the MIT Club of San Diego. Since beginning involvement in 2008, Ollie has served as director, co-vice president of programs, vice president of membership, vice president of communications, and club president. He is friendly, approachable, inquisitive, and dedicated to shaping the local alumni community. As club president, Ollie introduced a formal process for the club to attract outside support for STEM education and increase club membership. As a result, the club now has a vice president of STEM education, formalized support for the Science and Engineering Program for Teachers, an anniversary paid-membership cycle, and an efficient process for the board of directors. While serving on the nominating committee for the club, Ollie sought to introduce new volunteers to the club and to increase the diversity of those who serve. He makes it easy for newcomers to participate and empowers them to initiate and execute new ideas. Ollie provides mentorship and frequently advises club officers. He is the resident expert on the club's history, procedures, contacts within MIT, and bylaws. On many occasions and in many situations and interactions, Ollie has demonstrated his devotion to support MIT. This award honors his instrumental efforts that have ensured the Club of San Diego's vibrancy, health, and longevity.

Narendra P. Tallapragada '13

Naren has demonstrated a passion and dedication to the ideals that inspire MIT10 alumni, seasoned alumni, and MIT staff. Naren showed natural leadership as a member of the Class of 2018 Senior Gift Committee and helped secure gifts from his wide network, connecting donors to projects they were passionate about. As chair of the MIT10 Class Gift subcommittee for the Class of 2013, he engages classmates, friends, and alumni to convey the importance of giving to MIT. He hosted community events and accompanied development staff on prospect visits. Naren has not limited himself to fundraising. An educational counselor since 2013, he is a member-at-large on the 2013 Class Council and served for three years on the Annual Fund Board from 2014–2017. He was heavily involved with his Pi Reunion and with MIT Better World Campaign activities in Boston and Washington, DC. This award recognizes Naren's outstanding leadership and his demonstrated passion for MIT and its initiatives.

Lola M. Ball '91, SM '92

Lola has been a member of the Educational Council in Washington state since 1992. She was named vice chair in 2010. Lola is an enthusiastic interviewer who goes the extra mile to accommodate students in her area. She receives top ratings on her interview reports, which always provide much-needed context to students' admissions files. Lola established a new networking event for educational counselors and students where local ECs can meet newly admitted and current students over winter break. A long-time leader of the MIT Club of Puget Sound, she aligned the local MIT club with EC activities, and she is instrumental in helping the club sponsor part of the admitted-student meetings each spring. This award recognizes Lola as a proud graduate who is committed to helping prospective students realize their dream of attending MIT.

Karen A. des Jardins '81

Karen joined the Educational Council in 1982 in San Jose. She served as vice chair and worked to recruit and mentor new ECs. Karen is student-oriented, with a concern for student interests and for forming a link between students and MIT. She asks thoughtful interview questions to bring out students' interests and passions. In 2014, Karen became regional chair in San Diego and committed to making a strong region even stronger. She focuses on how best to support the ECs of the region and how they can grant as many interviews as possible. She monitors interview activity to ensure that ECs and students are prepared and manages the workload of nearly 300 student interviews each year. Karen is a tireless advocate and excellent ambassador for prospective students, and she is extremely deserving of recognition with the Morgan Award.

Yolanda L. Hinton '77, SM '80

Yolanda began as an educational counselor in 1993 in the Norfolk, VA, region. She has dedicated countless hours to interviewing prospective students. Her reports are consistently excellent and provide the Admissions staff with the details needed to make informed decisions. Yolanda became the regional chair in 1996, and she continues to interview many applicants in addition to her management responsibilities. ECs in her region speak highly of Yolanda. She regularly communicates with her group, is quick to respond to any issues, and helps with transitions as people move to new regions. Each year, she organizes a group of ECs that attend a local college fair on behalf of MIT. She is also active in EC workshops and the Alumni Leadership Conference. This award recognizes Yolanda as a talented volunteer, dedicated educational counselor, and leader.

Gim P. Hom '71, SM '72, EE '73, SM '73

Gim became an educational counselor in 1997. Since that time, he has conducted numerous interviews in Boston's metro-northwest region. Gim is always quick to offer his help when asked, including working to present an award within his school district and covering an interview for an overloaded EC colleague. He is a great, reliable, and timely interviewer who tracks the statistics for his school, keeps in touch with area admits, and recruits other ECs. Gim is very supportive when interviewing applicants and is a trusted reviewer of the Maker Portfolio supplemental component of the application. The Admissions Office can always depend on him for quick and astute evaluations of maker applicants. The Morgan Award honors Gim's attention to detail, and his care for applicants distinguishes him as an exceptional educational counselor and volunteer leader.

Carol L. Mohr '87

Carol joined the council in 1999 in Columbus, OH, and became vice chair for the area in 2010. Carol is a thoughtful interviewer who writes excellent reports. She consistently receives high ratings on her reports and interviews more than 10 students each year. In addition, she is supportive and follows students' progress through college and beyond, whether or not they attend MIT, and her warm demeanor has helped many prospective students appreciate the caring environment at MIT. As vice chair, she helps organize numerous events in her area that provide a welcoming atmosphere for students. As an alumna and parent of an MIT student, Carol is in a unique position to be able to talk about the present-day MIT experience. She mentors students throughout the entire process to help them pursue their goal of attending MIT. Carol's support to applicants goes beyond the requirements of an EC, and she epitomizes all that the Morgan Award represents.

Laurie Nisonoff '70

Laurie has been an active educational counselor since 1989 and is the vice chair in western Massachusetts. Laurie uses her depth of experience and enthusiasm to mentor new ECs. She loves data and uses it to optimize assignments in the region. She considers each EC caseload and is careful to make sure assignments are convenient for prospective students. Laurie's attention to detail makes completing the interview a positive process. She understands subtle nuances between high schools and the importance of context when evaluating each student. Laurie is reliable, excels in leadership roles, and regularly communicates with staff. She always goes beyond her expected responsibilities. This award recognizes Laurie as an affable volunteer and a strong leader whose passion for MIT has benefitted prospective students and the Institute.

Duffy D. O'Craven '85

Duffy has been a dedicated member of the Educational Council in Toronto since 2003. Tireless and dependable, Duffy enthusiastically and consistently carries a heavy load of interviews—as many as 20 interviews each year. Duffy is accommodating to prospective students and does a tremendous job promoting the values, virtues, and mission of MIT. He is frequently in contact with the Admissions Office, detailing interesting happenings in his region and identifying potential new ECs. He regularly achieves the highest ratings on the reports he submits to the Admissions Office. Duffy is committed to helping prospective students and is a solid role model for other educational counselors. He is an excellent ambassador for students, MIT Admissions, and the Institute, and has demonstrated exemplary service to the council for the past 15 years. His distinguished service merits recognition with the Morgan Award.

Christine M. Reynolds '91

Christine was appointed to the Educational Council in 1995. Today, she serves as vice chair in the densely populated Long Island area, where she manages a large region of ECs skillfully and efficiently. She takes her role as an educational counselor very seriously and consistently carries a significant workload. Christine ensures that every interview request is covered in each admissions cycle. In the absence of her area's regional chair, Christine took on additional leadership responsibilities, and the Admissions Office has come to rely on her thoughtful, informative reports. Her fair opinions provide needed context about students and their backgrounds. She is an invaluable representative, and her thoughtful approach and attention to detail are critical to the work of the Educational Council. Everyone delights in working with Christine, and this award honors her as a model volunteer.

David D. Withee '74

David's commitment to MIT illustrates his dedication to prospective students and the Educational Council. He became an EC in 2004 in the Milwaukee, WI, region. He consistently receives positive feedback from the prospective students he interviews. One student recently shared that David was crucial in the student's acceptance of MIT's admissions offer. David interviewed 18 students in the 2016 admissions cycle and happily agreed to conduct several more interviews for international students over Skype. David's larger interview caseload has never led to a decrease in the quality of the interview or interview report. His reports are stellar, and he does not allow a high volume of work affect his desire to be an advocate for the MIT applicants. He is a talented EC who is highly regarded by staff, alumni, and prospective students. David exemplifies the values that the Morgan Award represents.

Peter N. Zacharias '69, SM '71

Peter has contributed to the Educational Council since 1978 and served as vice chair with dedication and enthusiasm in the Reading, PA, region since 1981. Peter's top priority is to ensure the quality of the interview process. He goes beyond what is expected to answer questions and provide information about MIT to prospective students. Peter strives to maintain the quality of the Educational Council and is always connected to the happenings in the Admissions Office. He writes excellent interview reports that ensure the Admissions staff is able to admit the best candidates to MIT. Peter hosts an annual brunch for ECs in central Pennsylvania that allows peers to network and maintains a vibrant, engaged group of volunteers. This award recognizes Peter's long-term service in an under-resourced area. He is an invaluable council representative.

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