Spirit of GW Awards Recognize Alumni and University Supporters

October 22, 2024

Authored by:

Brook Endale

The Spirit of GW Awards ceremony, an annual tradition at the George Washington University that recognizes notable individuals for their contributions to society and for raising the standard of excellence within the university community, was held Saturday evening in the University Student Center Grand Ballroom as part of Alumni and Families Weekend celebrations.

Awards this year went to Zinhle Essamuah, B.A. '15, CERT. '16, M.A. '17; Dale Carlson-Bebout, M.B.A '90; the family of the late Albert H. Small, A.T.T. '48, HON'16, and Shirley Small; and Kevin Brown, M.E. '94. Those honored, other alumni, family members and friends of the awardees, as well as university leadership, were in attendance.

GW President Ellen M. Granbergopened 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. She acknowledged the honorees as leaders in their communities and professions.

"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."

There are more than 330,000 GW alumni in over 150 countries. The outstanding recipients were selected for honors in four distinct categories. Here are the 2024 honorees:

Recent Alumni Achievement Award

Zinhle Essamuah, CCAS B.A. '15, CERT. '16, M.A. '17, Journalist and Anchor NBC News Daily

Patricia Carocci,the associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving, presented Zinhle Essamuah, CCAS B.A. '15, CERT. '16, M.A. '17, with the Recent Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes graduates of the past 10 years who have attained notable achievements in their professional field or voluntary endeavors.

"This year's honoree is a trailblazing force in the media industry, whose contributions to journalism are nothing short of remarkable," Carocci said. "Zinhle's impactful journalism has set new standards for excellence, focusing on culture, poverty, justice and healthcare disparities, and addressing these critical issues with depth and clarity."

Essamuah is an Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker, currently 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.

Essamuah expressed gratitude to the many people at GW who supported her during her time at the university, pushing her to excel, helping her secure scholarships and advocating for her efforts to foster a more inclusive campus.

"I think of individuals like Kim Gross, who sat me down and helped me figure out…scholarships," Essamuah said. "I think of individuals like Leslie Jacobson, who, despite my academic overwhelm, encouraged me to lean into my love of the arts and didn't let me lose sight of that. I think of Michael Tapscottat the Multicultural Student Services Center, who taught me it's possible to lead well and with compassion. I think of Imani Cheers. I can say she put me through a boot camp because she knew what I would face going into the workplace."

Alumni Outstanding Service Award

Dale Carlson-Bebout, GWSB M.B.A '90, Nonprofit Executive and Leadership/Business Mentor to Women

Maley Hunt, B.A.'13, M.H.A. '16, an executive committee member of the GW Alumni Association, presented the Alumni Outstanding Service Award to Dale Carlson-Bebout, GWSB M.B.A '90. The award recognizes a graduate who has rendered an outstanding level of long-standing service to the university.

"With steadfast dedication and a deep commitment to her alma mater, 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 has served as an adviser, mentor and advocate. She supports GW women in business, empowering many aspiring leaders and providing them with invaluable guidance and inspiration."

Carlson-Bebout has had a distinguished career, including serving as a senior executive at Hewlett Packard (HP), where she led North America's customer relationships and was recognized as an HP Top Tier Leader. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Carlson-Bebout has headed organizations focused on poverty reduction, health equity, cancer research and workforce development. Her consulting expertise spans strategy, leadership, talent growth and organizational 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. Her contributions to the Dean's Board have enhanced student engagement and helped shape the curriculum for business analytics and leadership development.

Carlson-Bebout expressed gratitude to the many students she's met through working closely with GW over the years.

"Each of you has been generous and trusting in sharing your education and professional goals and your strengths and vulnerabilities," Carlson-Bebout said. "You've shown your commitment to learning through hard work. You value the importance of working well with your colleagues and recognize that differences among us make us stronger. You are not afraid to seek advice, even when you are not sure what the question is. And you're willing to listen to suggestions and different options, even when you might not agree with them. You strive to be better leaders every day. In all those interactions that I've had, I too have learned from you."

GW Philanthropy Award

The Family of Albert and Shirley Small

Albert H. Small, A.T.T. '48, HON '16, (deceased) and Shirley Small

And Their Children James Small, CCAS B.A. '84, Albert "Sonny" Small Jr., and Susan Small Savitsky

GW Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Donna Arbidepresented the GW Philanthropy Award to the family of the late Albert H. Small, A.T.T. '48, HON'16, and Shirley Small-James Small, CCAS B.A. '84, Albert "Sonny" Small Jr. and Susan Small Savitsky.

"I am delighted to present this year's GW Philanthropy Award to the Albert and Shirley Small family whose dedication to present preserving cultural heritage and intellectual curiosity has left a lasting mark on this institution," Arbide said.

Albert H. Smallwas 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 Washingtonian 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. In recognition of his contributions to GW, Small was granted the 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 family foundation, the Albert & Shirley Small Family Foundation, and numerous other charitable ventures. Sonny Small is a founder and managing member at the Renaissance Centro development group, alumnus James Small is a limited partner at the Southern Engineering Corporation, and Susan Small Savitsky is an experienced consultant who dedicates much of her time to philanthropic board service. Since their father's passing in 2021, the Small siblings have taken up his mantle and extended their father's legacy through enthusiastic support of ongoing activities at the museum and the Normandy Institute.

James Small accepted the award on behalf of his family.

"My father passed away, but the legacy of his collection and the legacy of his dedication to the Normandy Institute lives on," Small said. "It persists with the family because we have the same devotion, commitment and dedication as our father did. And we hope to strengthen and improve these institutions to the point where they make a demonstrative difference in the education of all students."

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Kevin Brown, SEAS, M.E. '94, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, Chief Supply Chain Officer Dell Technologies

Granberg presented the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award to Kevin Brown, SEAS M.E. '94.

"The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have achieved a high level of success and distinguished accomplishments in their professional lives," Granberg said. "Recipients have brought honor to GW through achievements that reflect the highest standards of quality, excellence and innovation. This year, we honor Kevin Brown, a leader whose three-decade career personifies excellence and innovation."

Brown is the executive vice president and chief supply chain officer at Dell Technologies, bringing over three decades of expertise in operations, technology and procurement. A seasoned leader in the supply chain industry, Brown's career is distinguished by strategic initiatives, innovation and the formation of impactful partnerships that enhance efficiency and optimize costs. Brown oversees a global supply chain spanning 180 countries and 25 manufacturing sites. In his current role, Brown is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into the supply chain. 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 across industries worldwide.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Brown is 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.

"I think my education here really helped me to excel. I think this award is a testament to the support and the opportunity provided by this world-class institution," Brown said. "And I feel proud to be able to support and to be part of this great community."