Eva Gomez Awarded 2013 Binder Prize

Tucked away in the Human Resources Office, Eva Gomez may not be visible or known to all, but she positively impacts everyone at Harvey Mudd College.

The human resources assistant helps employees with key items such as benefits enrollment, dependent tuition scholarships and using the College’s payroll system. She fosters inclusiveness and collaboration by serving as a resource to employees for whom Spanish is their first language. Friendly and knowledgeable, she works with a caring, upbeat attitude.

These are just some of the reasons why the selection committee chose Gomez to receive the 2013 Mary G. Binder Prize.

Awarded each year to a member of HMC’s support staff, the prize recognizes someone who has combined a record of exceptional service with a helpful and friendly attitude toward students, staff and faculty.

“I was very happy when Eva was selected to receive the Binder Prize because I see, every day, how she exemplifies Mary G. Binder’s belief that, ‘the greatest virtue in life is to help others,’” said Cynthia Beckwith, assistant vice president for human resources. “Eva never hesitates to help our students, faculty, staff, parents, applicants and visitors, and she does it with great respect and caring. Her work, character and attitude embody HMC’s culture and sense of community.”

Gomez’s award includes a $750 check, a commemorative certificate and the addition of her name on the Mary G. Binder Prize plaque in the foyer of Galileo Hall. She will receive the award at the College’s year-end employee celebration on Monday, May 20.

“For me, winning the Binder Prize is the highest form of recognition I could receive from my peers and colleagues,” Gomez said. “I was overtaken by emotion. It is humbling to read what people think of you as a person and your contribution to the HMC community. It is an honor and a wonderful moment in my career.”

The Mary G. Binder Prize was established in 1997 with a gift from Professor Emeritus Sam Tanenbaum and his wife, Carol, in honor of Carol’s mother, Mary G. Binder, and as an expression of their gratitude to HMC’s support staff.