Elevating Excellence

In a celebration of academic excellence and an affirmation of the College’s values, dozens of students, faculty and alumni were recognized Tuesday for their outstanding accomplishments during this year’s Honors Day.

The annual ceremony offers an important chance to pause and note the exceptional contributions made by members of the campus community in and out of the classroom, President Julie Kornfeld told the assembled crowd in Rosse Hall.

“Today, we celebrate some of the outstanding work of our students and faculty,” she said. “We also recognize the extraordinary achievements of alumni who are making a difference in the wider world.”

The program spotlighted the many Kenyon students who have won fellowships, scholarships and departmental prizes. (View the full list of award winners.)

Provost Jeff Bowman presented accolades for student work in everything from African diaspora studies to sociology, while Vice President for Student Affairs Celestino Limas awarded college prizes to students who have contributed to the Kenyon community in various ways. Among the College prizes are:

• The Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, presented annually to the student who has best promoted social justice through service activities and programs. It was awarded to Marissa Sun ’25, two-term president of Student Council and leader of POCappella and Kenyon Asian Identities.

• The Doris B. Crozier Award, given to a student who develops major changes for the betterment of the social and intellectual life of the student body. Hannah Sussman ’25, who founded DISCO, the Disabled/Chronically Ill Student Community Organization, earned the award for the second year in a row.

• The E. Malcolm Anderson Cup, awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and commitment to making Kenyon a better place. It was presented to Jaden “JStew” Stewart ’25, a two-sport athlete who is president of Men of Color. 

Two faculty members were singled out for their dedication to the craft of teaching as well. Susan Tomasky P’17, a member of the Board of Trustees, presented the Trustee Teaching Excellence Awards to Iris Levin, associate professor of biology and environmental studies, and Tom Giblin, professor of physics. 

The monetary award was established by the board in 1999 to annually honor both senior and junior faculty members who demonstrate excellence inside and outside of the classroom.

Levin, who received the junior award, was honored as an innovative instructor who is keen to push the boundaries of her teaching and who ensures that content is comprehensible to all while challenging herself and her students to take their knowledge out of the classroom and put it into practice.

Giblin, who was given the senior award, was described as an intentional and passionate teacher whose advice helps students find their place not just in the physics department but in the Kenyon community at-large. His commitment to an inclusive pedagogy that helps him meet students where they are was highlighted as well.

Three distinguished alumni also received honorary doctorate degrees during the proceedings for the contributions they made through their careers and involvement in their communities.

Joel Brereton ’70, professor emeritus of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and a scholar who co-translated the Rigveda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism, received a doctor of humane letters. He spoke about the transformative power of Kenyon to shape him professionally and as a person.

“It taught me to understand that details are never just details, to see that insignificant things shape significant ones, and to know that what was long ago and far away matter,” he said.

Stephanie A Fryberg ’94, a member of the Tulalip Tribes and James Johnson Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University, was honored for her work on cultural representations of minority individuals. In receiving a doctor of science, she cited the continuing relevance of the aspects of Kenyon that have helped her make a difference in the world. 

“As we face the challenges of the 21st century, the need for connection and relationship that is rooted in understanding and empathy is more crucial than ever,” she said. “Whether we’re talking about Indigenous rights, identity safe classrooms, or any other pressing issue, progress happens when we make space for all voices.”

Robert Goldman ’63, a philanthropist and former trustee of the College who established a business career focused on finance and operations, received a doctor of letters. He reflected on the skills he gained at Kenyon that contributed to his future success — including the ability to analyze problems and communicate — and which motivated him to give back.

“I was most grateful for what Kenyon had given me, and I committed to giving back in ways that would be helpful to the College,” he said.