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Johnson community celebrates 2019 alumni award recipients at the Big Red Bash

By: Katelyn Godoy
Guests pose with Touchdown the bear

April 30 marked Johnson’s “biggest night” in celebration of its 2019 alumni award recipients. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends joined together at Guastavino’s in New York City to enjoy a meal, hear from leadership, and honor the best of the best at the annual Big Red Bash.

Andrew Ross Sorkin ’99 (CALS) served as the evening’s emcee, kicking off the event with a fireside chat with Morgan Jones, MBA ’15, president of the Johnson Club of New York City.

Morgan and Andrew sitting on stage
Morgan Jones (left), president of the Johnson Club of New York City with Andrew Sorkin
Andrew Sorkin speaking at the Big Red Bash
@CynthiaSC on Twitter: Enjoying the talk from @AndrewSorkin about the economy and the upcoming election at the Big Red Bash #CornellMBA

@maggiecj (Maggie Chan Jones) on Twitter: Great evening @CornellMBA #BigRedBash2019. @andrewrsorkin spoke about his time at #Cornell, #economy, #Election2020 #BigRed #CornellMBA

Recognizing outstanding alumni contributions

Each of Johnson’s four alumni award recipients were recognized for contributions to their industries, Johnson, Cornell University, and the alumni community.

Henry P. Renard ’54, MBA ’55 Regional Club of the Year Award

Mark, KP, and Andrew holding an award

Johnson Club of Houston, accepted by Krishna P. (KP) Jonnalagadda, MBA ’14, president

The Henry P. Renard ’54, MBA ’55 Regional Club of the Year Award recognizes regional club leaders and members for the innovation, creativity, and diversity of their programs, the total number of events hosted, and the percent of local alumni who attend.

Robert J. Swieringa Young Alumni Service Award

Mark, Angela, and Andrew

Angela Mwanza, MBA ’00

The Robert J. Swieringa Young Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni for their exemplary commitment to Johnson and its alumni and continued engagement with Johnson as a volunteer leader in many engagement activities.

Samuel C. Johnson Distinguished Service Award

Mark, Kenneth, and Andrew

Kenneth T. Derr ’58, MBA ’60

The Samuel C. Johnson Distinguished Service Award is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes extraordinary alumni for their sustained and exemplary commitment to Johnson and its alumni.

L. Joseph Thomas Leadership Award

Joe, Mark, Peter, and Andrew

Peter B. Orthwein ’68, MBA ’69

Johnson’s highest honor, the L. Joseph Thomas Leadership Award recognizes alumni for their exceptional demonstration of vision and leadership, sound business sense, and commitment to community.

Read more about the honorees:

Announcing Johnson’s 2019 alumni award recipients

Big Red Bash highlights

Joshua stands smiling with Touchdown at the Big Red Bash
@jcubed901 on Instagram: So inspired by last night’s Big Red Bash, Johnson at Cornell’s signature event to honor outstanding Johnson Alums. I’m glad to see that Angela Mwanza, an industry leader in private wealth management and Class of ‘00, won the Young Alumni Service Award! Grateful to see familiar faces, and celebrate Johnson Alumni doing amazing things in the world! #cornellmba #Bigredbash #inspired #ascend
Two women at the Big Red Bash smiling and taking a selfie
@hanifa.elle.b on Instagram: BIG | RED Great night in #nyc celebrating Cornell’s finest. #cornellmba #bigredbash #goaldigger #hanifawrites
Two guests laugh with Touchdown

Dean Nelson with alumni and faculty Three alumni pose for a photo Guests mingling and laughing

Three attendees pose with Touchdown for a selfie

Peter and Angela with Touchdown Three alumnae A group of alumni pose for a photo

Awardees and leadership
From left: Mark Nelson, dean of Johnson; Morgan Jones, MBA ’15; Peter Orthwein ’68, MBA ’69; KP Jonnalagadda, MBA ’14; Andrew Sorkin ’99; Kenneth Derr ’58, MBA ’60; Angela Mwanza, MBA ’00; and L. Joe Thomas.

View more photos from the Big Red Bash on Facebook.