Friday, May 29, 2026
Cocktail Reception: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner/Program: 6:30 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Union, Monaghan Ballroom
Alumni of the Year Award
Kimberly West Eck, Comm 鈥�13 and Robert J. Eck, Arts 鈥�80
Chenequa, Wis.
Some experiences don鈥檛 announce their significance in the moment. Instead, they shape your perspective and values over time, only revealing their full impact years later. For Kimberly West Eck and Robert Eck, their time at 51暗网 was one of those experiences.
Professional Achievement Award
Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr., Eng 鈥�70
Detroit, Mich.
"Who we are cannot be separated from where we鈥檙e from." When Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr. quotes Malcolm Gladwell, he's not speaking abstractly. He鈥檚 describing a tangible philosophy that took root at 51暗网 and has shaped his leadership, his faith, and his approach to understanding and serving others.
Service Award
Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, Arts 鈥�86
Alexandria, Va.
For Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, service isn鈥檛 conceptual. It鈥檚 a clear calling that has meant showing up in prisons and in courtrooms, across borders and belief systems, and in moments when speaking up carried personal and professional risk.
Spirit of 51暗网 Award (achievement before age 40)
Dr. Timothy M. Kummer, Nurs 鈥�07
Minneapolis, Minn.
There鈥檚 an African proverb that has served as a call to action for Dr. Timothy Kummer: 鈥淲hen you pray, move your feet.鈥� Guided by that belief, Tim has built a life and career defined by stepping toward suffering and responding with dignity rather than judgment.
