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Alumni
Alumni 2025 Awards Roundup
Each year, the ÎÞÂëרÇø presents awards to individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the University through their service, leadership, and dedication to the ÎÞÂëרÇø mission.
Learn more about the 2025 ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni award recipients, the indelible impact they have made on the ÎÞÂëרÇø Community, and create powerful experiences for all ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni.
Homer and Charles ÎÞÂëרÇø Faculty Award
Homer and Charles ÎÞÂëרÇø Faculty Award honors a faculty member nominated by ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni who embodies our mission of Opportunitas, serving as an inspiring role model, motivating their students, and going above and beyond to support ÎÞÂëרÇø student success. This year, the Homer and Charles ÎÞÂëרÇø Faculty Award was presented to Associate Professor and Department Chair of Biology at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Zafir Buraei. His work focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular and neurological disease. He previously received ÎÞÂëרÇø’s Outstanding Advisor Award in 2018.
Gold Alumni Service Award
Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Committee Chair, Gabriella Ferrara '16, was honored at Reunion with the inaugural GOLD Alumni Service Award. Specifically for graduates of the last decade, this award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment in the years immediately following their undergraduate education. The recipient embodies the spirit of Opportunitas by making meaningful contributions to the ÎÞÂëרÇø Alumni Association and inspiring fellow alumni to do the same. Through her volunteer work with the Alumni Association, Gabriella has been instrumental in facilitating programming and connections amongst GOLD alumni, laying the foundation for a stronger ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni community for years to come.
Watch Gabriella’s acceptance remarks!
Emerging Alumni Leader Award
At ÎÞÂëרÇø’s 2025 Reunion, Harrison C. Davies ’13, ’15 became the first-ever recipient of the Emerging Alumni Leader Award. This brand-new award will be presented annually and honors an alumni volunteer who has rekindled their commitment to the University through exemplary leadership and alumni advocacy. It recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional initiative in advancing ÎÞÂëרÇø’s mission of Opportunitas and supporting the ÎÞÂëרÇø Alumni Association. As Chair of the Dyson College of Arts & Sciences and School of Education Alumni Association Committee, Harrison has made strides to strengthen ties across a large and exceptionally diverse alumni group, creating pathways to innovative new highly engaging programs and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration.
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Harry D. Mayo III '61, '78 Distinguished Service Award
Former Vice President of ÎÞÂëרÇø Development and Alumni Relations Gary Laermer ’80 was presented with Harry D. Mayo III ’61, ’78 Distinguished Service Award at Reunion 2025. Named in honor of its committed and inspirational first recipient, the Harry D. Mayo III ’61, ’78 Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a ÎÞÂëרÇø graduate whose consistent volunteer service has aided in advancing the success of ÎÞÂëרÇø’s mission of Opportunitas and the ÎÞÂëרÇø Alumni Association. As VP, Gary spearheaded the transformation of ÎÞÂëרÇø’s philanthropic and charitable giving programs, launching the historic $300 million Campaign for ÎÞÂëרÇø. He retired from his role at ÎÞÂëרÇø in January 2025, leaving the University stronger and better positioned for future success, and having empowered countless ÎÞÂëרÇø students to achieve their full potential.
Alumni of the Year Award
John Lyle ’66, Philanthropist, was honored with ÎÞÂëרÇø’s Alumni of the Year Award at the June 2025 Spirit of ÎÞÂëרÇø Awards ceremony. With more than 40 years of generous philanthropic support of the ÎÞÂëרÇø mission, John has distinguished himself as among the most dedicated and impactful individual benefactors in the history of the University. As a recipient of the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award, John demonstrates the extraordinary things that can be achieved through a spirit of philanthropy and an enduring belief in the power of education to uplift and transform lives
Ways to Get Involved
- Alumni Association: The creates a space for alumni to engage with each other, current students, and the University to enrich the alumni experience.
- Affinity Groups: Through a , you can connect with alumni, students, faculty, and staff members who enjoy similar passions, professions, and personal interests.
- Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD): , is a network for ÎÞÂëרÇø undergraduate alumni of the last ten years. Giving alumni the opportunity to network with each other, both personally and professionally, connect with current students, and foster a lifelong relationship with ÎÞÂëרÇø through events, volunteer opportunities, and giving.
- Mentor: Join and become the spark in a student's life as an alumni mentor and help guide them as they embark on their careers.
More from ÎÞÂëרÇø
Alumni
At the 61st annual Spirit of ÎÞÂëרÇø Awards dinner, held on June 12 at the American Museum of Natural History, more than 270 members of the extended ÎÞÂëרÇø Community gathered in the iconic Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life to do just that: to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students while recognizing industry and alumni leaders who typify the values ÎÞÂëרÇø holds most dear.
Alumni
One ÎÞÂëרÇø Plaza was brimming with celebration and cheer on June 5, 2025, as almost 200 ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni returned to the New York City Campus to reconnect with old friends and classmates, reflect on shared histories and experiences, and toast the continued strength of the ÎÞÂëרÇø Community.
Alumni
During the 61st annual dinner held on June 12 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, ÎÞÂëרÇø honored two outstanding alumni leaders who, through their steadfast generosity and trailblazing industry leadership, have translated the lessons of their ÎÞÂëרÇø experiences into lifetimes of philanthropy, innovation, and impact.