Ursinus Magazine

2021 Alumni Award Winners

Tipping Our Cap to Alumni Award Winners

Each spring, Ursinus celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding young alumni and graduating students. These are Bears who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in society. Learn more about our 2021 Honorees

 

Cynthia (Babcock) Green ’94 | The Henry P. and M. Page Laughlin Educator Award

Cynthia Green Green was nominated with endorsements from 80 from her Ursinus classmates for her 25 yearsand countingof teaching English and language arts, leading student programs, mentoring new peers, volunteering, and for always having her students’ best interests at heart. She credits her experiences at Ursinus with instilling the confidence she needed to become a stand-out teacher.

 

Byron Coleman ’03, Harry Michel ’03, David Morris ’03, Tonya L. Towles Wilson ’05, and Michael Wilson ’03 | Alumni Award for Service to Humanity

Just 4 People Just 4 People Inc. was founded in 2014 by classmates Coleman, Michel, Morris, Tonya Wilson, and Michael Wilson. After forging a friendship through the Crigler program, they decided to make a career out of making a difference in the lives of others. Just 4 People Inc. provides support to communities within the Philadelphia, Pa., and Southern New Jersey areas, offering scholarships, charitable drives, and community/educational programs.

 

Erin Bennett Brennan ’15 | The Rising Star Alumni Award

Erin Brennan Brennan earned her juris doctor from Vermont Law School and is currently pursuing her master of science degree in energy policy and climate from Johns Hopkins University. An attorney for Vermont’s Department of Public Service, Brennan represents clients in complex energy law matters and litigates cases against the largest public utility companies to ensure fair rates for residents and to help improve the energy and climate fields.

 

Harry S. Polsky ’66 | The Alumni Award for Professional Achievement

Harry Polsky Polsky is a retired surgeon and was among the first group of surgeons in the United States to receive board certification in general vascular surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, and also previously served in the U.S. Army as a general surgeon with the rank of major.

 

Hannah Merges ’21 and Nicole Schmalbach ’21 | Senior Alumni Award

Hannah Merges Merges majored in environmental studies, with minors in anthropology and marine science. She was a writing fellow, a senior admissions fellow, a Bonner leader, a fellow of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good, and more. She is recognized for her natural curiosity, drive, and work ethic.

 

Nicole Schmalbach '21 Schmalbach studied chemistry at Ursinus and was a TA for two courses taught by Dr. Brian Pfennig, with whom she also collaborated on independent research. Outside the classroom, she participated was a member of S.T.A.T. (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) and president of both the Beardwood Chemical Society and Women in Technology and Science.

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