Spirit of GW Awards Recognize Alumni and University Supporters
Honoring Alumni
Spirit of GW Awards Recognize Alumni and University Supporters
The awards honored the individuals for their exceptional contributions to society and their dedication to GW.
//By Brook Endale
The Spirit of GW Awards ceremony, an annual tradition at GW that recognizes notable individuals for their contributions to society and for raising the standard of excellence within the university community, was held Oct. 19 as part of Alumni and Families Weekend.
GW President Ellen M. Granberg opened the ceremony, highlighting the evening as a celebration of the enduring power and spirit of GW’s alumni and the vast talent across the university.
“Your achievements, your commitment and your generosity embody the spirit of GW and exemplify the mission of this institution,” Granberg said. “We are so very proud to call you alumni and to honor and celebrate you this evening.”
2024 Awardees
Recent Alumni Achievement Award
Zinhle Essamuah, B.A. ’15, CERT ’16, M.A. ’17, is an Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker, co-anchor of NBC News Daily and a correspondent for NBC News, reporting across NBC News NOW, MSNBC, Nightly News and TODAY. Known for her eclectic storytelling, Essamuah engages diverse audiences through broadcast, documentary and digital media.
Patricia Carocci, associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving, presented Essamuah with the award, which recognizes graduates of the past 10 years who have attained notable achievements.
“Zinhle’s impactful journalism has set new standards for excellence, focusing on culture, poverty, justice and health care disparities, and addressing these critical issues with depth and clarity,” Carocci said.
Alumni Outstanding Service Award
Dale Carlson-Bebout, M.B.A. ’90, has had a distinguished career, including serving as a senior executive at Hewlett Packard, where she led North America’s customer relationships and was recognized as an HP Top Tier Leader. Carlson-Bebout has also headed nonprofit organizations focused on poverty reduction, health equity, cancer research and workforce development.
Carlson-Bebout is a member of the GW Board of Advisors for the dean of the Business School. She has actively supported the GW Women in Business Undergraduate Student Organization as an adviser, mentor and advocate.
Maley Hunt, B.A. ’13, M.H.A. ’16, an executive committee member of the GW Alumni Association, presented Carlson-Bebout with the award.
“Dale Carlson-Bebout exemplifies the spirit of giving back and fosters a sense of community and pride among our alumni and current students,” Hunt said. “She supports GW women in business, empowering many aspiring leaders and providing them with invaluable guidance and inspiration.”
GW Philanthropy Award
GW Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Donna Arbide presented the GW Philanthropy Award to the family of the late Albert H. Small and Shirley Small: James Small, B.A. ’84, Albert “Sonny” Small Jr. and Susan Small Savitsky.
Albert H. Small was a third-generation Washingtonian, successful real estate developer, philanthropist and a Monumental Alumnus of GW. He dedicated decades to collecting rare books and manuscripts, inspired by his service in the Navy in World War II.
In 2011, the Albert H. Small Collection was donated to GW. It became the foundation of the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies at the GW Museum and The Textile Museum. Small was granted the GW President’s Medal in 2011 and an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2016.
The couple’s children have maintained a shared ethos of generosity through the Albert & Shirley Small Family Foundation and numerous other charitable ventures. The Small siblings have taken up their father’s mantle and extended his legacy through enthusiastic support of ongoing activities at the museum and GW’s Albert H. Small Normandy Institute.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Kevin Brown, M.S. ’94, is the executive vice president and chief supply chain officer at Dell Technologies. In that role, he oversees a global supply chain spanning 180 countries and 25 manufacturing sites. Under his leadership, Dell has been recognized by top research and advisory firms as having one of the most efficient, sustainable and innovative supply chains worldwide.
Brown is also actively engaged in thought leadership and policy, serving on the National Committee of the Council on Foreign Relations. He also contributes to the National Advisory Council for the GW School of Engineering.
Granberg presented Brown with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes alumni who have achieved a high level of success and distinguished accomplishments in their professional lives.
“Recipients have brought honor to GW through achievements that reflect the highest standards of quality, excellence and innovation,” Granberg said. “This year, we honor Kevin Brown, a leader whose three-decade career personifies excellence and innovation.”