Professional Achievement Award

For outstanding achievement in any professional field

“Dick has worked tirelessly to build Bulamu, spending thousands of volunteer hours each year and more than 150 days traveling in Uganda. His MBA not only led to a highly successful career in business but he personally sees it as the key factor in his work for Bulamu. UChicago’s analytical, data-driven approach has informed his work and is the cornerstone of Bulamu’s approach to improving patient care. His vast corporate experience, as senior executive and former CEO of a Fortune 500 health care corporation and as a postretirement academic, has certainly helped.”

“From the training he received at the University of Chicago, Kamionkowski moved on to produce some of the seminal ideas of cosmology over the past 30 years. He also propagated the University’s strong tradition of training students and postdocs through his own research programs at Columbia University, Caltech, and Johns Hopkins University. His work is innovative, and several of his ideas have started completely new areas of research.”

“John’s leadership of Quanta is distinctively UChicago. While he is not a scientist or physician, he has continually applied intellectual rigor to his work. He has successfully navigated technically complex subject matter while authoring several manuscripts published in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals and addressing numerous medical congresses, including the American Society of Nephrology and the American Dialysis Conference. In addition, he has personally shaped the design and engineering of Quanta’s products, which is reflected in his being named lead inventor in a filed patent.”

“Subramanian’s narrative aligns with the values that UChicago espouses: intellectual rigor, ambition, and the transformative power of education. He used careful research to navigate complex policy challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, a tumultuous period for India. His prudent and courageous decisions prevailed, resulting in India’s emergence with robust growth, moderate inflation, and fortified macroeconomic fundamentals. By intertwining economic growth with ethical considerations, Subramanian has advocated for a policy approach that can help foster a more equitable and sustainable society.”

Early Career Achievement Award

For professional achievement or creative leadership by alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years

“Bill’s career trajectory embodies UChicago’s spirit of rigorous inquiry and dedication to positive societal impact. While his 2023–24 appointment as a White House Fellow is a testament to his leadership, his commitment to public service began long before this prestigious role. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of social issues and a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions. He has consistently sought opportunities to address systemic challenges. His approach is characterized by a unique blend of strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and genuine empathy for the communities he serves.”

Alumni Service Medal

For extended, extraordinary service to the University

“Jeff is a quintessential Maroon. A volunteer since the early 1990s, he has contributed financially and with his time, including coaching students one-on-one. His mission-focused lifestyle exemplifies everything a Maroon would be proud of. With his classmates Jeff has cochaired multiple reunion committees, and I cannot think of a time when he and I were debating an issue when he did not bring up how the University would think through and process it. Jeff serves as an ambassador for the University and everything we stand for.”

Alumni Service Award

For outstanding service to the University

“Lara has served as a member of numerous reunion committees and on other committees, including the Alumni Board executive committee and as vice president and chair of the Alumni Awards committee. As a member of the Alumni Board, she identified and lobbied for several outstanding classmates to earn recognition from the University. She currently serves on the advisory council at the Graham School. Lara is a tremendous ambassador for the University in San Francisco and nationally. She represents ethics, integrity, high achievement, and honor.”

Recent Alumni Service Award

For service to the University by alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years

“Olivia has been a shining light for the UChicago community ever since graduating. What she’s been able to do for the Chicago Women’s Alliance community is truly phenomenal. She is a strong leader, and she shows up for the UChicago alumni community in both organized and personal settings. She has proven herself as a connector, a motivator, and an all-around thoughtful person who is actively and consistently looking for ways to celebrate her fellow alumni, connecting them and encouraging them to reach their full potential.”

Norman Maclean Faculty Award

For extraordinary contributions to teaching and student life by emeritus or very senior faculty

“Professor Peltzman is a singular force in the classroom, weaving rigorous economic analysis with an unmatched enthusiasm for dialogue, an unrelenting commitment to fostering critical thinking, and a colorful character that leaves a lasting impression. From the very first lecture he distinguished himself as not only a teacher but a performer, a provocateur, and a guide to economic inquiry. He actively engaged us in spirited dialogue, challenging our preconceived notions and forcing us to question our assumptions about markets, firms, and regulation. He created an environment where intellectual curiosity thrived, and where students were encouraged—if not compelled—to think beyond the textbook. His ability to distill complex economic theories into real-world applications made every session both accessible and thought provoking.”

All photos courtesy the award recipients.

These excerpts from the awardees’ nominations have been lightly edited. Find awardees’ complete biographies and nominate someone for a future award.