Raise your glass to some of the best among us!
Who are the alumni all-stars? See this year’s volunteer award recipients and honorees, and find out more about the awards and previous recipients.
Volunteer Recognition
Meet our recipients and learn more about the awards that honor the difference that dedicated Brunonians have made for Brown and for the world.
The highest honor bestowed upon a Brown graduate who exemplifies the University's mission to prepare alumni for lives of “usefulness and reputation.”*
2024 Recipient: Cecile L. Richards ’80 LHD’10 hon.
Cecile L. Richards ’80 LHD’10 hon. is receiving the William Rogers Award posthumously, honoring her extraordinary impact as an activist for women’s rights and economic justice. As president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America for 12 years, Richards expanded access to reproductive health care and led the organization into its second century, growing its supporter base from 2.5 million to nearly 12 million. She co-founded Supermajority and Charley, advocating for women’s political power and abortion access. Even after her diagnosis with brain cancer in 2023, Richards co-founded Abortion in America to amplify the impact of post-Roe abortion bans. Her legacy includes receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor. She is survived by her husband, Kirk, and their three children— Lily, Hannah, and Daniel.
* In the words of Brown's charter
For an alumna or alumnus who has made a significant impact in his/her community or society, and who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public service either as a professional or a volunteer.
2024 Recipient: Carlos Lejnieks ’00
Carlos Lejnieks ’00 is the deserving recipient of the John Hope Award for his dedication to public service and his transformative impact on both his community and beyond. As CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Newark, Lejnieks revitalized the organization, expanding its reach from 116 to over 1,100 youth served annually and achieving a 96% high school graduation rate. His commitment to service extends through leadership roles at North Star Academy, CN Communications, and Jersey City Medical Center, as well as his contributions to political efforts with President Barack Obama and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. At Brown, he has shown deep involvement, from serving on the Undergraduate Council of Students to chairing the Brown Alumni Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and delivering the 2023 baccalaureate address.
Honors a lifetime of outstanding and wide-ranging volunteer service to Brown.
2024 Recipients
Judith Sanford-Harris ’74, P’14
Judith Sanford-Harris ’74, P’14, affectionately known as “Bits,” is honored with the Brown Bear Award for her lifetime of exceptional volunteer service to Brown. With over 35 years as an alumni interviewer, Sanford-Harris has fostered deep connections within the Brown community. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Brown Alumni Association Board of Governors, as national secretary of the Inman Page Black Alumni Council (IPC), and as founding co-chair of the 2009 IPC Black Matriculation Campaign. Sanford-Harris also played a pivotal role in outreach to newly admitted Indigenous students and supported various committees promoting multicultural engagement and alumni involvement. A proud member of the Class of 1974, her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion at Brown is unmatched.
Steve Shin ’95 MMSc’97 MD’99
Steve Shin ’95 MMSc’97 MD’99 is a deserving recipient of the Brown Bear Award for his unwavering dedication to Brown and The Warren Alpert Medical School. Over the years, Shin has demonstrated extraordinary leadership within the Brown Medical Alumni Association (BMAA), serving in various capacities on its executive committee, including president from 2022 to 2024, and co-chairing the Brown Medical Annual Fund (BMAF). His efforts were instrumental in growing the BMAF and establishing the BMAA Term Scholarship, which provides vital financial aid to medical students. He has also mentored students, served as a Medical Reunion Class Volunteer, and collaborated with key deans on strategic initiatives. His work in fundraising and alumni engagement has significantly advanced the Medical School’s mission and impact.
Honors distinguished, continuing volunteer service to Brown.
2024 Recipients
Ana M. Bermúdez ’86, P’22
A trailblazer in both her professional and volunteer work, Ana M. Bermúdez ’86, P’22 was the first openly gay person, first Latina, and second woman to serve as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Probation. Throughout her career, she has been a steadfast advocate for children, teenagers, and young adults in the justice system. Bermúdez’s commitment to Brown and its students deepened when her daughter enrolled in 2018, leading her to join the Women’s Launch Pad in 2019. She became an active member of the Women’s Leadership Council in 2020 and continues to engage in various alumni activities. Her dedication to giving back exemplifies the spirit of the Alumni Service Award.
Max Clermont ’11 MPH’12
Max Clermont ’11 MPH’12 has shown exceptional dedication to volunteerism since graduating, consistently giving back to Brown through various roles that have strengthened the University’s alumni network and promoted inclusivity. He has served on the Brown Alumni Association’s Board of Governors, where he played a key role in founding the First Generation & Low Income Alumni Advisory Committee. Additionally, Clermont has contributed his time to the President’s Communications Advisory Council andBrown University’s Community Advisory Council, as well as co-chaired his class’s 10th Reunion. Outside of his service to Brown, he is committed to driving policy change and improving access to healthcare, leading patient advocacy in the northeast for Vertex Pharmaceuticals and supporting several nonprofit boards.
Mimi Foldes Leibner ’95, P’24, P’27
Through her extensive and ongoing volunteer work, Mimi Foldes Leibner ’95, P’24, P’27 has deeply enriched the Brown community. She currently serves as vice-chair of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and co-chair of both the Class of 1995 30th Reunion Class Gift Committee and the Fundraising Committee for the 130 Years of Jewish Life at Brown celebration. Leibner has also contributed as a former area chair of the Alumni Interviewing Program and co-chair of her 25th Reunion Committee. After graduation, Mimi practiced corporate law, specializing in M&A and corporate finance transactions. Outside of Brown, her leadership extends to various community roles, including PTA chair, co-chair and producer of local theater programs, secretary and board member of a local arts nonprofit, and vice-president of the League of Women Voters of New Castle, NY.
Recognizes a commitment to diversity and collaboration that strengthens the University community.
2024 Recipients: Mara Gottlieb ’93, Tyler Rubin ’99, and Patrick Snee ’91
Mara Gottlieb ’93, Tyler Rubin ’99, and Patrick Snee ’91 are joint recipients of the Joseph M. Fernandez ’85 Award for their exceptional contributions to the Brown Alumni Pride Association (BAPA) Steering Committee. Through their leadership, they have played a pivotal role in uniting diverse alumni and creating a positive impact on the University community. Together, they transformed BAPA into a vibrant organization supporting LGBTQIA+ alumni. Gottlieb, an expert in anti-oppression consulting, co-chaired BAPA for nearly three years, shaping its structure and expanding its membership. Rubin, as co-chair since 2022 and chair since 2024, led BAPA’s expansion into a broader affinity group, strengthening ties with the University. Snee, who joined in 2022, was instrumental in BAPA’s rebranding and organizing events to engage LGBTQIA+ alumni, ensuring the group’s lasting impact within Brown’s diverse community.
Honors distinguished service to a class, the Alumni Class Leaders (ACL) or to Brown.
2024 Recipient: Amy Davidson ’84
Amy Davidson ’84 has been honored with the prestigious Nan Tracy ’46 Award for her outstanding leadership and distinguished service to her class, the Alumni Class Leaders, and the University. With over 35 years of marketing expertise, including roles at American Express and Estee Lauder, Davidson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering alumni engagement. As class leader since 1994 and co-president since 2015, she launched innovative social media, website, and email campaigns that set new records for engagement. Her efforts were instrumental in the Class of 1984 winning class of the year in 2018 for both engagement and fundraising. Davidson’s leadership during the pandemic, including producing 74 Zoom events with over 1,300 attendees, further solidified her impact, making her a true model of service and dedication.
Named for Tony Ittleson '60, University trustee and former chair of the Brown Annual Fund, this award honors those who have distinguished themselves as outstanding volunteers, striving for new levels of success in support of Brown’s institutional mission. It is the Annual Fund’s highest honor.
2024 Recipient: Berit Spant Muh ’64, P’94
Berit Spant Muh ’64, P’94 is a tireless advocate of the University, demonstrated through her volunteerism and philanthropy for nearly 60 years. She has served on eight Reunion Gift Committees, the Alumni Class Leaders (ACL) Board of Directors, the Alumni Interviewing Program, and as co-president of her class. Muh recently served as co-chair on the Class of 1964’s 60th Reunion Gift Committee and supported class activities. The class excelled in their milestone year under her co-leadership, surpassing their goal for the Reunion Class Gift by 41% with a total of $502,396. Muh included a Zoom option for the class forum, a gesture that fostered a strong sense of community within her class. This spirit of accessibility and service to her class exemplifies lifelong leadership.
Honors an individual or individuals who have made truly outstanding contributions to fundraising at Brown.
2022 Recipient: John B. Ehrenkranz ’87, P’24, P’26
John Ehrenkranz ’87, P’24, P’26 was a tremendous leader for his 35th Reunion Class Gift, serving as co-chair. His energy and enthusiasm for the Brown Annual Fund and the Reunion Class Gift inspired hundreds of classmates to join him, and with his leadership, the Class of 1987 led not only all of the Reunion Classes, but all classes overall in 2022 for donors and dollars with over $2.5 million raised from more than 500 donors. The class set three new fundraising records for the 35th Reunion, including largest Reunion Class Gift (multi-year), highest dollars raised, and the highest number of Leader donors. Ehrenkranz’s unwavering commitment to the Brown Annual Fund and his continued volunteer leadership continue to make a tremendous impact on the overall success of the Brown Annual Fund.
For outstanding volunteer service to Brown by young alumni in any field of alumni engagement, recognizing young alumni for their hard work, love of Brown, and ability to set an example for their peers.
2024 Recipients
Akash Altman ’20
Akash Altman ’20 is the recipient of the Young Alumni Service Award for his exceptional volunteer service to Brown and his dedication to fostering inclusivity and belonging within the alumni community. Since graduating with a degree in engineering, Altman has made significant contributions through his leadership roles, including chair of the Community & Belonging Committee on the Brown Alumni Association Board of Governors, chair-elect of the Disability and Neurodivergence Alumni Collective (DNAC), and a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity. He also serves on the Class of 2020 Reunion Gift Committee and began his professional career at Brown as the Campus Life Fellow & Special Assistant to the VP for Campus Life.
Yen Tran ’14
Yen Tran ’14 is the recipient of the Young Alumni Service Award for his outstanding volunteer service to Brown and his dedication to fostering strong connections within the Brown community. Since graduating, Tran has shown exceptional commitment to alumni engagement, serving in multiple roles, including as president of the Asian/Asian American Alumni Alliance (A4) during the challenges of COVID-19. He has also been a mentor on the Brown Center for Students of Color Advisory Board, an alumni interviewer and chair for Connecticut, and a Class Leader for the Class of 2014. His passion for service extends to his professional work in asset management, where he built environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment portfolios and supports underrepresented fund managers.
Honors one or more young alumni (undergraduate alumni from 1-14 years out) whose volunteer fundraising efforts in the prior fiscal year distinguished them as rising leaders and contributed significantly to the Brown Annual Fund’s success.
2024 Recipient: Waylon Jin ’19
Waylon Jin ’19, who served as both a student and alumni volunteer, is the recipient of the Brown Annual Fund Young Alumni Award. As a student, Jin made an impact as co-chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee and was asked to serve as a class marshal during Commencement. After graduating, he has continued volunteering with the Brown Annual Fund on the Class of 2019 Reunion Gift Committee. During his 5th Reunion in 2024, he played an instrumental role in soliciting 250+ classmates and encouraging support through the Brown Annual Fund. In addition, Jin has also served with affinity groups like the Asian/American Alumni Alliance (A4), the Brown Alumni Association’s Board of Governors, and as an alumni ambassador.
For the undergraduate alumni class that demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the University by achieving the highest participation in giving through the Annual Fund.
2024 Recipient: Class of 1974
The Class of 1974 demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the University by achieving the highest participation in giving through the Brown Annual Fund. The class was unstoppable from day one by building class engagement throughout their 50th Reunion year. This led to an outstanding 40% class participation, the highest of all the classes in Fiscal Year 2024. In addition to achieving the highest participation, the Class of 1974 50th Reunion Class Gift to the Brown Annual Fund was $2.3 million, and committee members personally reached out to more than 500 classmates throughout the year to encourage Reunion attendance and support of the Brown Annual Fund.
Honors a volunteer whose efforts played a critical role in achieving the Annual Fund’s goals of securing financial support for the University’s highest priorities.
2024 Recipient: Philip Tsai ’94
Philip Tsai ’94 made an indelible impact on the Brown Annual Fund and was instrumental in the Class of 1994’s 30th Reunion fundraising effort. His generosity was evidenced early in the year when he hosted the Brown Annual Fund Class and Reunion Volunteer Planning Meeting in October. This meeting left guests energized and enthusiastic about conducting outreach among their classmates. He also hosted Brown students at his New York office during the second annual Financial Services Career Exploration Trip. As vice chair of his Reunion Gift Committee, Tsai motivated his fellow alumni to contribute over $2 million for their Reunion Class Gift, the second highest class gift among all 2024 Reunion classes. His dedicated volunteerism made him an asset to the success of the Brown Annual Fund.
Recognizes a class whose leaders facilitate exceptional engagement among classmates.
2024 Recipient: Class of 1990
The Class of 1990 has made a significant impact through its exceptional efforts to encourage engagement and participation among classmates, especially in preparation for their 35th Reunion. Over the past several years, they have focused on connecting with their fellow alumni through various activities, including biannual, virtual panel discussions featuring classmates who are authors or professionals in the education field. They publish a quarterly newsletter that features an article highlighting an "unsung hero"—someone who may not be in the spotlight but actively contributes to the community. For their upcoming 35th Reunion, they are planning a variety of events to appeal to a wide range of classmates. This approach has significantly increased engagement and garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. The leadership of the Class of 1990 in these initiatives has inspired fellow alumni and proven to be an invaluable asset to the Brown community.
For the class that most embodied the spirit of philanthropy at Brown over the last year through their dedicated outreach and support of the Brown Annual Fund.
2024 Recipient: Class of 1999
The Class of 1999 embodied the spirit of philanthropy by building strong class engagement throughout their 25th Reunion year. For their Reunion Class Gift, the Class of 1999 raised $1.7 million, setting a personal best for class fundraising. The class also set a personal best record for Leader-level giving with 31 gifts of $10,000 or more and had their highest class participation ever at 34.9%, surpassing the participation goal. The 48 committee volunteers were actively engaged in outreach in support of the Reunion gift and the Reunion celebrations, personally reaching out to over 900 classmates during the reunion year.
The Leadership Award, presented by the Brown Alumni Association, is a prestigious recognition of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and made significant contributions to the University community and beyond. This award celebrates outstanding leadership, character, and the positive impact an individual (or group) can have on society.
2023 Recipients:
Women’s Leadership Council Members and Alumnae
2023 Black Alumni Reunion Planning Committee
Recognizing distinguished alumni, faculty, and members of the community who support The Warren Alpert Medical School's mission and purpose.
The Women’s Leadership Award honors a Brown community member whose passion, innovation, and mentorship transcend boundaries, reflecting the former Women’s Leadership Council’s legacy of empowering leaders to create meaningful change.
2024 Recipients
Sole Feliciano Anselmi ’86, P’18
Sole Feliciano Anselmi ’86, P’18 is the recipient of the new Women’s Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to Brown and her unwavering commitment to mentorship and philanthropy. A former co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council’s Women’s Launch Pad Committee, Feliciano Anselmi has mentored Brown students since 2012 and served on several advisory boards, including the Advisory Council on the College. Professionally, she was a corporate lawyer at Schulte Roth & Zabel before transitioning to focus on charitable work in Paterson, New Jersey. She has been a trustee and vice president of the Paterson Prep Charter School Board and serves as trustee and treasurer for the Board of Catholic Charities in Paterson. Her dedication to empowering others through education and leadership reflects the values of the Women’s Leadership Award and the legacy of the Women’s Leadership Council.
Chandra R. Metzler ’95, P’26
Chandra R. Metzler ’95, P’26 is the recipient of the new Women’s Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to both Brown and her profession. She has over 30 years of experience in capital markets, banking, insurance, and asset management and is the co-founder of CM Squared, a family office and independent sponsor. She has been a dedicated volunteer in service to Brown, serving on the Women’s Leadership Council, the Alumni Association Board of Governors and the Council for the College. She has also been actively involved in Brown Alumni Schools Committees (BASC) and her Reunion Gift Committees. Her favorite activity is mentoring undergraduates through the Women’s Launch Pad. Her passion for mentoring began during her undergraduate years at Brown when she and her husband Jeff ’95 mentored Providence high school students seeking to become the first in their families to attend college.
Established in 2024 for the 10th anniversary of the School of Professional Studies, the SPS Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates for exceptional achievements promoting innovation, excellence, and inclusion aligned with the vision of SPS.
2024 Recipient: Michelle Johnson-Tidjani EMBA’24, Esq.
Michelle Johnson-Tidjani EMBA’24, Esq., embodies the values of innovation, excellence, and inclusion that the School of Professional Studies (SPS) Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes. As Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at CommonSpirit Health, she oversees national budget alignment and enterprise functions for one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S., impacting over 175,000 employees and 142 hospitals. Michelle’s leadership extends to her previous roles at Henry Ford Health and Cleveland Clinic, where she championed corporate governance and organizational alignment. An active community leader, she has earned numerous accolades and serves on several boards. Her exemplary career aligns seamlessly with SPS’s mission, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
For more information about alumni awards, contact: