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Each year, the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association presents awards to individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the University through their service, leadership, and dedication to the Â鶹ֱ²¥ mission.

Learn more about the 2025 Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni award recipients, the indelible impact they have made on the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Community, and the ways you can help create powerful experiences for all Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni.

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Homer and Charles Â鶹ֱ²¥ Faculty Award

Homer and Charles Â鶹ֱ²¥ Faculty Award honors a faculty member nominated by Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni who embodies our mission of Opportunitas, serving as an inspiring role model, motivating their students, and going above and beyond to support Â鶹ֱ²¥ student success. This year, the Homer and Charles Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni community for years to come.

Watch Gabriella’s acceptance remarks!

Emerging Alumni Leader Award

At Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™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 Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s mission of Opportunitas and supporting the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association. As Chair of the Dyson College of Arts and 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ graduate whose consistent volunteer service has aided in advancing the success of Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s mission of Opportunitas and the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association. As VP, Gary spearheaded the transformation of Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s philanthropic and charitable giving programs, launching the historic $300 million Campaign for Â鶹ֱ²¥. He retired from his role at Â鶹ֱ²¥ in January 2025, leaving the University stronger and better positioned for future success, and having empowered countless Â鶹ֱ²¥ students to achieve their full potential.

Alumni of the Year Award

John Lyle ’66, Philanthropist, was honored with Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Alumni of the Year Award at the June 2025 Spirit of Â鶹ֱ²¥ Awards ceremony. With more than 40 years of generous philanthropic support of the Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association creates a space for alumni to engage with each other, current students, and the University to enrich the alumni experience.
• Affinity Groups: Through a Â鶹ֱ²¥ Affinity Group, you can connect with alumni, students, faculty, and staff members who enjoy similar passions, professions, and personal interests.
• Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD): GOLD, is a network for Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ through events, volunteer opportunities, and giving.
• Mentor: Join Setter Connect and become the spark in a student's life as an alumni mentor and help guide them as they embark on their careers.