This award, established in 2011, is given to an individual who has worked to bring diverse alumni together to make a positive contribution to the University community. The award is named in memory of late Brown Alumni Association President Joe Fernandez ’85, whose leadership was characterized by integrity, selfless dedication, optimism for the future, and a commitment to diversity.
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.
Previous Award Recipients
- Elias Wolff ’00 (awarded posthumously) & Jonathan Mooney ’00
- Eldridge H. Gilbert III ’05
- Anthony S.W. Cheng ’95
- Karen McLaurin Chesson ’74
- Felipe M. Floresca '73
- Javette Pinkney Laremont '80
- Kenneth H. McDaniel ’69, P’13
- Hannelore B. Rodriguez-Farrar '87 AM'90 PhD'09
- Sean J. Siperstein ‘05
- Preston Tisdale ’73, P’10, P’10 MPH’16 MD’16, P’12
- Augustus A. White III '57 DMS'97 hon., P'98