Alumni Award Winners

In the lead up to and during the fun of our Reunion Weekend 2026, we took time to celebrate alumni who are doing outstanding work in their fields, exemplary humanitarian service or volunteer work for Kenyon.

These awards recognize outstanding commitment to the College by specific alumni classes and individual members of the alumni community. Individual awardees are nominated by their peers or friends of the College, with final selections made by Alumni Council. The full list of award recipients is below.

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

2026 Alumni Award Recipients

Gregg Cup

David Lynn ’76 H’23 P’14
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1976, David returned to Kenyon in 1992 and has since devoted his career to elevating the College’s reputation and enriching its intellectual life. As a Professor of English for 32 years, he influenced generations of Kenyon students in the classroom while contributing to the College's academic distinction. His own literary accomplishments — including an O. Henry Award, the Glimmer Train Short Story Prize, and recognition as a finalist for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award — have brought honor to Kenyon and inspired students and alumni alike.

David served as editor of the Kenyon Review for 26 years. Under his stewardship from 1994 to 2020, the Kenyon Review once again became a cornerstone of Kenyon's identity and a beacon of literary excellence worldwide. That fidelity to excellence will be the enduring hallmark of David’s legacy with the Review. There are important ways he did this work over the decades. He built incredible teams, whether those were among college stakeholders, or board leadership, or empowered staff that positioned the Review for success and growth. But even more important, he brought the Review into the daily life of the Hill by creating student opportunities that — when paired with the rigor of a Kenyon education — have led many to exciting professional and creative opportunities.

Even after David left the Review, he didn’t stop working for Kenyon. For the College’s bicentennial, he, along with Dan Laskin, served as co-editor of "Place and Purpose: Kenyon at 200," a book celebrating the College's history and legacy.

Beyond his professional contributions, David has served Kenyon in numerous volunteer capacities, including for admissions and reunion, including currently on his 50th Reunion Committee.

David Lynn's decades of service to Kenyon — as editor, professor, mentor and volunteer — represent an unparalleled lifetime of dedication to the College.

Tom Stamp ’73 H’22
Tom Stamp was a caretaker of Kenyon’s history and spirit, and a profound and enduring influence on the imaginative life of Kenyon.

A longtime resident of Gambier, he joined the Office of Public Affairs in 1984 and served for decades in a variety of official capacities until 2023 — and even then he continued offering his signature campus tours and serving as a college history resource for anyone who would ask.

Throughout his career, Tom was — first and foremost — Kenyon’s storyteller-in-chief, whether it was burnishing the College’s public image, writing meticulously researched articles, giving expertly crafted lectures, writing loving obituaries, or digging into, preserving and sharing the College’s history.

He was a keeper of Kenyon’s memory. The idea of Kenyon without him still seems unthinkable. We miss him.

The Gregg Cup was donated to Kenyon College by Henry Sellers Gregg of the Class of 1881, a longtime Kenyon volunteer who served as a trustee of the College from 1917 until a year before his death in 1938. Originally intended to acknowledge the alumnus (or, since the advent of coeducation, alumna) who, in the opinion of the Alumni Council, had made the most significant contribution to the welfare of Kenyon in a given year, the Gregg Cup is now awarded in recognition of a history of service to the College.

Humanitarian Service Award

Tom Tobin ’86
Tom was a political science major, who has maintained strong ties to Kenyon since graduation as a volunteer in many roles. Throughout his career in development for humanitarian-focused organizations, such as the American Council of the Blind and the Cleveland Sight Center, he has demonstrated a values-driven commitment to service and advocacy that mirrors his work for Kenyon.

David Griffith ’76
David was an economics and history major and has served in many volunteer roles for Kenyon, including as the chair for the Communications and Engagement Subcommittee for his 50th reunion this year.

He is executive director emeritus of the Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, where he supports their mission to challenge and reduce intergenerational poverty through numerous social service programs.

He has devoted decades of service on nonprofit, educational and civic boards, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preservation, Ride to Work and other community organizations. He works to expand access to education in partnership with several foundations and scholarships.

He is passionate about serving his community. He is devoted to impact through teaching, public discourse, volunteerism, philanthropy and hands-on service work.

The Humanitarian Service Award, which is not necessarily conferred on an annual basis, is given at the discretion of the Alumni Council to members of the Kenyon family who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.

Greenslade Award: Doug Gertner ’81

Doug was an anthropology and sociology major, a WKCO DJ and is a two-time recipient of the Alumni Admissions Award. Over the course of 40 years he has served as a class agent, Alumni Council member, regional association officer, reunion challenge committee volunteer and bicentennial ambassador — all while consistently attending and supporting Kenyon events.

The Greenslade Award, which is not necessarily conferred on an annual basis, is given at the discretion of the Alumni Council to members of the Kenyon family including alumni, parents, employees and friends of the College who demonstrate the qualities of affection for and loyalty to Kenyon exhibited by the Greenslades in their many years of volunteer service to the College and its constituents, both on campus and off. The award honors the memory of Thomas Boardman Greenslade ’31, Kenyon archivist from 1967 until his death in 1990, and Mary MacWilliam Greenslade, an unofficial ambassador for the College both before and after her husband’s death until her own in 1994.

Anne J. Robinson Award: Ally Cirelli ’19 and Nathan Grosh ’19

Ally Cirelli and Nathan Grosh, both Class of 2019, have brought energy, creativity and deep Kenyon pride to the Boston Regional Association. Following the departure of a longtime volunteer leader (and past Anne J. Robinson award recipient) last year, they stepped up to guide the association with enthusiasm and fresh ideas for alumni engagement. Since then, they have organized several successful events in the region, most recently a family-friendly candlepin bowling gathering that drew an enthusiastic crowd. As a Kenyon couple, they embody the spirit of connection and community that makes our alumni network so special.

The Anne J. Robinson Award is awarded annually to the outstanding regional alumni association president recommended by the Alumni and Parent Engagement staff and endorsed by members of the Alumni Council.

Kenyon-to-Career Ambassador Award: Chris Eaton ’89

Chris is a member of Kenyon’s Board of Trustees, in addition to his volunteer work with the Career Development Office. In nominating him, Lee Schott, the dean for career development said: “Chris’s commitment to supporting the CDO is matched only by his dedication to Kenyon students and alumni. A longtime ‘tell me how I can help’ partner, he consistently follows through on his commitments, meeting one-on-one with students, participating in every volunteer opportunity we suggest, and sharing his innumerable perspectives and wisdom from a lifetime of working.

The Kenyon-to-Career Ambassador Award is given in recognition of the individual who has significantly contributed to the professional development, career exploration, and post-graduate success of Kenyon students and alumni. The recipient has provided exceptional career-related support which may include multiple modes of network building, opportunity sourcing, and professional mentoring; and/or has demonstrated leadership toward enhancing innovative career resources and programming for students and alumni. It is conferred annually by the Career Development Office.

Distinguished Service Awards

Bruce Broxterman ’76
Bruce’s service spans decades and reflects deep engagement with students, alumni, and Kenyon through his volunteer work with Athletics, the Career Development Office, and his class.

He has worked closely with Kenyon students as a career counselor and mentor through the CDO. He maintains strong connections to athletics today, following his student days on the football and baseball teams. He has generously devoted his time and expertise to the Kenyon Athletic Association, the Football Mentorship Program and the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee. More recently, he has been involved in football reunions and contributed to efforts supporting the re-turfing of the football field.

For his class, Bruce has assumed the role of co-leader for the Class of 1976’s 50th Reunion. Bruce has been generous with his time, talent and resources. His quiet leadership, willingness to step in wherever neede, and enduring dedication to Kenyon exemplify the spirit of service this award is intended to honor.

Michael Young ’76
Michael’s service to Kenyon exemplifies the dedication this award seeks to recognize. For 29 years, he has served in rotation as a class agent and reunion class volunteer, maintaining connections between his classmates and the College while supporting Kenyon’s fundraising efforts.

Beyond his class leadership, for 36 years, Michael has also been a CDO volunteer, helping Kenyon students and alumni navigate their professional journeys. Currently, Michael serves on the Kenyon Fund Executive Committee, where he contributes to the College's annual giving efforts.

Most recently, as co-chair of the 1976 50th Reunion Committee, he has worked with Bruce Broxterman to bring his class together for this milestone celebration, ensuring both a memorable experience for classmates and meaningful support for Kenyon. He also gamely appeared in a recent video we made for young alumni with tips on how to make the most of your great alumni network.

Distinguished service awards are presented to those alumni who, in the opinion of Alumni Council, have made a significant contribution to Kenyon in past years as volunteers for admissions, fundraising, career development and regional association steering committees.

D. Morgan Smith Award: David Rose ‘81

David exemplifies extraordinary affection for, and loyalty to, Kenyon through decades of sustained volunteer leadership and service. He’s been a bicentennial ambassador, Distinguished Service Award recipient and Burchell Rowe Award honoree, as well as co-gift chair for his 45th reunion. In addition he’s served as a mentor, job-lead provider and regional leader consistently since the mid-1980s.

In the past year alone, his leadership and generosity galvanized his class to exceed ambitious participation and giving goals, including sponsoring a stretch gift that helped nearly double December fundraising results. To add to that, he wrote dozens of handwritten letters connecting with classmates and encouraging support of Kenyon in honor of their 45th reunion.

His enduring commitment to Kenyon’s students, alumni and future makes him a fitting recipient of the D. Morgan Smith Award, recognizing not only a remarkable year of impact but a legacy of service and generosity spanning decades.

This award is named for class agent D. Morgan Smith ’28, whose service on Alumni Council and work with students inspired the creation of the Student-Alumni Association. An annual award recognizing outstanding service as a class agent.

Bishop's Cup: Class of 1976, combining to give $5,491,079

Named for Bishop Philander Chase, the founder and first president of Kenyon College, this award honors the reunion class giving the largest amount to all areas at Kenyon.

Class of 1921 Plate: Class of 1981

The Class of 1921 Plate recognizes the class with the highest percentage of its members giving to the College — not including those classes celebrating their 50th reunions.

Peirce Cup: Class of 2001, with 28.72% of the class present

Named in honor of William Foster Peirce, president of Kenyon College from 1896-1937, the Peirce Cup recognizes the reunion class with the greatest percentage of its members attending Reunion Weekend.

KFEC Award: Class of 1991

The KFEC Award was created in 2007 to recognize the reunion class with the largest number of new leadership level donors to the Kenyon annual funds in the current fiscal year. (The 50th reunion class is not eligible for this award.)

Thomas Cup: Class of 1976, combining to give $5,491,079

The Thomas Cup honors the Reunion Class (5th through 50th classes) with the largest amount given and pledged to the Kenyon annual funds in the current fiscal year. It was named for William H. Thomas Jr., Class of ’36, who later served Kenyon as alumni director and vice president for development for 20 years.

Class of '87 Award: Class of 2006

The Class of ’87 Award was created in 2007 to recognize the class among those celebrating 5th to 20th reunions, with the largest total dollars given to the Kenyon annual funds in the current fiscal year.

Class of '62 Award: Class of 2006

The Class of ’62 Award is presented to the reunion class from the 5th to the 20th classes with the greatest percentage of members contributing to the College in the current fiscal year.

Class of '63 Cup: Class of 2021

The Class of ’63 Award is given to the reunion class with the greatest percentage increase in dollars given to Kenyon annual funds over the previous fiscal year.