91ÊÓƵ

Each year, the 91ÊÓƵ Alumni Association presents awards to individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the University through their service, leadership, and dedication to the 91ÊÓƵ mission.

Learn more about the 2025 91ÊÓƵ alumni award recipients, the indelible impact they have made on the 91ÊÓƵ Community, and the ways you can help create powerful experiences for all 91ÊÓƵ alumni.

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Homer and Charles 91ÊÓƵ Faculty Award

Homer and Charles 91ÊÓƵ Faculty Award honors a faculty member nominated by 91ÊÓƵ alumni who embodies our mission of Opportunitas, serving as an inspiring role model, motivating their students, and going above and beyond to support 91ÊÓƵ student success. This year, the Homer and Charles 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ’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 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ alumni community for years to come.

Watch Gabriella’s acceptance remarks!

Emerging Alumni Leader Award

At 91ÊÓƵ’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 91ÊÓƵ’s mission of Opportunitas and supporting the 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ graduate whose consistent volunteer service has aided in advancing the success of 91ÊÓƵ’s mission of Opportunitas and the 91ÊÓƵ Alumni Association. As VP, Gary spearheaded the transformation of 91ÊÓƵ’s philanthropic and charitable giving programs, launching the historic $300 million Campaign for 91ÊÓƵ. He retired from his role at 91ÊÓƵ in January 2025, leaving the University stronger and better positioned for future success, and having empowered countless 91ÊÓƵ students to achieve their full potential.

Alumni of the Year Award

John Lyle ’66, Philanthropist, was honored with 91ÊÓƵ’s Alumni of the Year Award at the June 2025 Spirit of 91ÊÓƵ Awards ceremony. With more than 40 years of generous philanthropic support of the 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ 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 91ÊÓƵ 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.