The John Hope Award, co-sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association (BAA) and the Swearer Center for Public Service, is named for the 1894 African American alumnus who dedicated his life to education and community service. With this award, the BAA honors a graduate whose commitment to public service exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a direct impact on the community. The honoree may be a professional whose career is dedicated to public service or a volunteer devoted to public service or social action.
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.
Previous Award Recipients
- Maria (Mari) I. Riddle ’80
- Jeff Feingold ’92
- Greg Asbed ’84
- John Bonifaz ’87
- Sheryl Brissett-Chapman ’71 LHD'19 hon.
- Sonja Brookins Santileses ’89
- Thomas J. Brown ’50
- Katherine Chon ’02
- Daniel P. Corley ’75
- Edward E. Cornwell III ’78
- Derek Ellerman ’02
- Earle W. Fisher ’42, P’88
- Laura D. Germino ’84
- Stephanie L. Grace ’87
- Paul G. Heck ’89
- Jeffrey R. Keitelman ’82
- Donald W. King ’93
- Peter A. Kovacs ’78, P’10
- George Lima ’48, GP’92
- Marcia Loebenstein McBeath ’45, P’77
- Deacon Patrick J. Moynihan '87
- Mary Louise Hinckley Record ’37, P’65
- David E. Saltzman ’84
- Jeffrey Swartz ’82
- Mary K. Swerczek ’98
- Bryant Toth MD’76, P’08
- Patricia Walker Walsh ’65, P’93
- W. Terence Walsh ’65, P’93
- Jason Warwin ’95
- Khary Lazarre-White ’95
* in the words of Brown's charter