Carlos R. Quintanilla Award

The Carlos R. Quintanilla Distinguished Latino Alumni Award recognized alumni for exceptional achievements and significant contributions to their professions, community, and society as a whole, for their demonstrated commitment to Johnson, and for promoting the advancement of Latinos in the business world.

Award information

Award criteria

Originally known as The Carlos R. Quintanilla Distinguished Latino Alumni Award, this is awarded to Johnson alumni for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions to their professions, community, and society as a whole, for their demonstrated commitment to Johnson, and for promoting the advancement of Latinos in the business world. In 2025, the Quintanilla Distinguished Hispanic Business Leadership Lecture & Award was elevated to a lecture series in honor of Carlos R. Quintanilla‘s dedicated alumni service and outstanding commitment to Johnson. This lecture series brings high profile Latin American business leaders to Ithaca to speak and engage with the Johnson and greater SC Johnson College community.

Nomination form

To nominate an alumna or alumnus for the Quintanilla Distinguished Hispanic Business Leadership Award, please fill out the online nomination form.

Award recipients

2025: Ragnhild “Randy” Melzi ’77, MBA ’80
2024: Gil Gidron ’78, MBA ’80
2022 Christine Monjer, MBA ’14
2020: Laura E. Sandoval, MBA ’05
2019: Eduardo Padilla Silva, MBA ’81
2018: William J. Restrepo ’80, MBA ‘85
2017: Adrienne Rose Martinez ’01, MBA ’08
2016: Roberto Canizares M.’71, MBA ’74
2015: Felipe Garza, MBA ‘80
2014: Joseph Alvarado, MBA ’76
2013: Luis Carlos Sarmiento, Jr. MBA ’85
2012: Hernan J. F. Saenz, MBA ’98, MILR ’98
2011: Carlos R. Quintanilla, MBA ’80
2010: Inaugural Award Recipient: Ken Gurrola, MBA ’95