2019 Harvey Mudd College Leadership Awards

Harvey Mudd recognized outstanding examples of leadership at its seventh annual Leadership Awards ceremony, which celebrates students, faculty and staff for their contributions on campus and beyond.

A selection committee of students, staff and faculty reviewed nominations from the campus community and made selections for the following awards:

Outstanding Faculty Member

Awarded to a faculty member who has gone above and beyond their job role to serve as a mentor for students and/or student organizations and embody Mudd values such as collaboration and care for the campus community.

Brian Shuve, assistant professor of physics

One nominator writes, “Professor Shuve has consistently gone out of his way to make his students feel welcome and supported. He pays an amazing amount of attention to his students and reaches out in a genuine, personal way when students need help. I also greatly respect the leadership roles he’s taken on.”

Outstanding Staff Member

Recognizes a member or members of the staff for their positive contributions to the campus, their leadership and willingness to make a difference in the lives of students.

Elizabeth Lawrence, facilities use coordinator, Office of Facilities and Maintenance

“Elizabeth embodies the Mudd value of unsurpassed excellence,” writes a nominator. “She is careful, thoughtful and smart in the way she works with all departments to ensure their events will be smooth and enjoyable. She does her job with tremendous attention to detail and much needed humor.”

Dean Sundberg Prize

Established by Dana Seaton ’06, and with support from Warren Kazenstein ’04 and Nate Yoder ’06, the Dean Chris Sundberg Prize ($500) recognizes a rising junior who demonstrates exceptional leadership and a positive impact on the College community.

Arielle Isaacs ’21

A nominator writes, “Arielle embodies the Mudd value of creating a positive impact on one’s community through leadership. Through positions like working on the honor board, working as a campus tour guide, as a club director for ASHMC, and as a Homework Hotline mentor tutor, Arielle has taken part in upholding the honor code, worked to engage other students in activities on campus, and has shown exemplary work habits as a model for peers and coworkers.”

Outstanding Student Organization

Given to a recognized student organization that makes a positive impact in the campus or wider community and demonstrates integrity, leadership and teamwork.

People Respecting Identities and Sexualities at Mudd (PRISM)

“PRISM demonstrates integrity, leadership and teamwork and excels in program planning for the members as well as the larger campus community,” a nominator writes. It is rare to see a student organization so committed to building community outside of their own group. PRISM is a role model for how organizations can be inclusive of all members of the community despite status or identity.”

Outstanding Emerging Leader

Recognizes a first-year student or sophomore who exhibits great potential as a campus and/or community leader.

Aitzín Cornejo-Reynoso ’21

“Aitzín is a student leader and activist,” a nominator writes. “A member of Society of Professional Latinos in STEMS, she is in charge of leading tutoring sessions for local high school students in partnership with Uncommon Good, a nonprofit organization. Most of the high-school students served are low-income, potential first generation college students and/or Latinx. Aitzín is willing to work hard on behalf of others without expecting anything in return.”

Skylar Gering ’21

A nominator writes, “Skylar has a deep level of curiosity about the world in general and the natural sciences in particular. This curiosity is coupled with a strong desire to do good for the community and the planet and an incredible work ethic and positive can-do spirit. I’ve never seen Skylar unmotivated to tackle a new challenge; she always digs in when the first attempt at a problem fails, she seeks advice as needed and works with friends and classmates. She’s a Mudder through and through: in her mind, her heart, and her actions.”

Outstanding Mudder Award

Recognizes students who contribute to the community and demonstrate creativity, leadership, teamwork, ethics, inclusion, community engagement, wellness and communication in both curricular and co-curricular endeavors.

Charles Dawson ’19

“Charles is the person I think of when I try to describe what makes Mudd and its student body special,” writes a nominator. “Charles is always willing to help out a fellow student, even a stranger. He is understanding and truly believes in the potential of everyone around him. He takes his responsibilities seriously but still has a sense of humor, and he uses that blend to lead many different groups effectively. He’s hardworking, diligent, trustworthy, and kind—he thinks about the impact he wants to have on society, and is motivated and capable of creating the type of impact he wants to see.”

Dorman Student Altruism Prize

Established by the Dorman Family foundation, the $250 award recognizes a graduating senior student who is selected by their peers as the one who has done the most for their fellow students.

Natalie Kadonaga ’19

A nominator writes, “As co-president of the Living Learning Community for the past two years, Natalie has organized events that facilitate learning and discussion of social justice issues in order to address the Harvey Mudd mission to understand our impact on society. Natalie is also active in the prison education project and in the Core revision committee. Natalie has taken responsibility and initiative to make Mudd and the community around her a better place.”