• Recognizes alumni or teams who have helped advance Fuqua by investing their time and energy on a specific project
• Recipients are honored for their willingness to work out unique solutions that create positive outcomes and for taking the initiative to benefit the Fuqua community with their time, energy, and talents

2025 Winner:

Sydnor Gammon MBA '15

In recognition of Sydnor’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing Fuqua through her ongoing efforts to drive meaningful engagement and support across all areas of the school while building community and strengthening alumni relationships.

Read more about Sydnor and see past winners

• Recognizes alumni who demonstrate a dedication to the school through their time, energy, talents, or financial support
• Recipients have given their time to connecting their classmates, alumni programming, board service, student engagement, engaging their employers to the benefit of Fuqua, and/or providing service to fellow alumni, current students, and faculty

2025 Winners:

Ruibin Chen MBA '06

In recognition of Ruibin’s impressive commitment to engaging with alumni, strengthening connections, and enhancing Duke and Fuqua’s presence in China to foster closer ties among alumni in the spirit of service and community.

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Suzanne N. Smith MBA '08

In recognition of Suzanne’s incredible leadership in supporting Fuqua students and alumni, particularly in advancing their career goals, building lasting connections, and strengthening Fuqua’s network through her mentorship and career development support.

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• Recognizes alumni whose exemplary professional accomplishments are matched by the significant positive social or environmental change they have created
• Recipients use their Fuqua training to make a difference both inside and outside of their employment setting

2025 Winner:

Kurt Baumberger MBA '89

In recognition of Kurt’s outstanding contributions to the Fuqua community and beyond, including his leadership in creating the Fuqua MBA Games for Special Olympics, his pioneering work in social and environmental innovations, and his dedication to mentoring students and alumni in entrepreneurship and career development.

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• Celebrates alumni who graduated within the past 5 years and have made significant positive social or environmental impact since completing their degree
• Recipients embody Team Fuqua’s values by leveraging their business education to drive meaningful change and lead with purpose in their professional and personal endeavors
• Honors their ability to translate the Fuqua experience into actionable impact, showcasing the transformative power of leadership rooted in collaboration, integrity, and innovation

2025 Winners:

Rony Cepeda Mekosh MBA '22

In recognition of Rony’s phenomenal dedication to driving social impact by empowering individuals facing barriers to employment, helping to create pathways to economic mobility through mission-driven enterprises that provide stable jobs, training, and support for underserved communities across the U.S.

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Helen Qianru Zhang MBA '24

In recognition of Helen’s steadfast commitment to empowering others and driving meaningful change, including her mentorship of women and parents pursuing their MBA, her workshops helping small business owners build sustainable companies, and her dedication to fostering the next generation of female leaders.

Read more about Helen and see past winners

This award was established in 2006 in honor of Owen May MBA '83 and Derek Penn '79, MBA '84 for their longstanding commitment, leadership, and exemplary service to The Fuqua School of Business. The May-Penn Award of Excellence is the highest honor Black and Latino alumni can bestow upon a peer.

This award will honor the alumnus/alumna who actively participates in annual events, is accessible to students, and is connected to the broader community through his/her interaction with the faculty and administration. The recipient of this award should be recognized as a leader within the Fuqua community as well as in his or her profession. The individual recognized with the May-Penn Award of Excellence is an inspiration to those around him/her and a role model to those coming after him/her.

2024 Winner:

Laurinda Rainey '03, MBA '08

Learn more about Laurinda and see past winners