Changemakers in Action

Each June, Reunion weekend on campus includes celebrating our Alumni Award winners. Nominated from across the global alumni community and selected by the Alumni Board, honorees exemplify Mac’s values through leadership, achievement, and community engagement. Individually, their stories unfold in different places and paths around the world; collectively, they’re all working to build a better tomorrow.

Meet this year’s winners—and start thinking about who you want to nominate this fall for next year.

Dr. Matthew Johnson ’89

Distinguished Citizen Award

Matthew Johnson ’89 is a global leader in scientific and technological efforts to understand and improve Earth’s climate. 

As a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of Copenhagen, Johnson has combined academic excellence with entrepreneurial innovation. He’s played a leading role in six clean technology start-up companies, including one based on his invention of an indoor air purification system that mimics Earth’s natural atmospheric processes. 

Another company, Ambient Carbon, is commercializing systems to eradicate methane—a powerful greenhouse gas Johnson identified as a major driver of climate change. His work has appeared in Nature, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and a book from Cambridge University Press. Johnson has consulted for the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, and testified for the National Academies report on methane. He holds a dozen patents and has nearly fifty collaborators in every continent on the globe.

Raised by a Presbyterian minister, Johnson sees no conflict between science and spirituality. “The idea that science is crushing religion or spirituality makes me itchy,” he says. “I think they work together, powerfully, and are just different aspects of the same human spirit.”

Richard Lesicko ’75

Distinguished Citizen Award

Dick Lesicko ’75 brought together students from across the country and the world to represent Macalester in forensics. His innovative coaching led to numerous championships and national titles. More importantly, many describe him as their favorite teacher, coach, and mentor of all time.

Lesicko led Macalester’s forensics program for over 30 years, expanding it to include multiple forms of debate, mock trial, ethics/bioethics bowl, and Model UN. “These events are outstanding laboratories for students to develop teamwork and soft skills every employer and graduate program values,” he says. 

Though he could have pursued research, law, or the private sector, Lesicko chose to stay with his students and his calling to teach. “Watching someone go from being afraid to give a speech to transforming into an incredibly accomplished public speaker was something that got me up in the morning,” he says. 

His nominator writes: “It is as hard to be legendary as it is to be beloved, but Dick is a beloved legend, which is hardest of all.”

Brian Bull ’91

Catharine Lealtad ’15 Service to Society Award

Brian Bull ’91, a member of the Nez Perce tribe, is a journalist dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Throughout his public radio career—including at stations in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Oregon—he earned numerous awards for work filed with National Public Radio member stations and National Native News. 

“I wish more people knew how much importance we put into being sensible, balanced, and accurate reporters,” he says.

Bull is now a senior reporter for Buffalo’s Fire, a Native American-led media outlet covering Indian Country with depth and authenticity—from environmental stewardship to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis. For 25 years, he mentored aspiring journalists through NPR’s NextGeneration Radio Project. “Knowledge is like a fire that can be shared between people,” he says. 

Macalester’s commitment to diversity, activism, and global awareness gives him hope for greater understanding. “I’ve made lasting friendships at Mac and am better for knowing so many generous, passionate people,” he says.  

His nominator writes: “Brian was an outstanding student in my psychology class, and I have admired his career ever since.”

Kathy Pinkett ’75

Distinguished Citizen Award

From high school—where she managed Sonia Sotomayor’s class presidential campaign—to the boardroom—where she mentored executive leaders—Kathy Pinkett ’75 has spent her life lifting others. “Helping others achieve their full potential brings me joy,” she says. 

Pinkett began her career as a social worker before transitioning to Securian Financial Group, where she became the first person of color in the C-suite. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she strengthened diversity programs, helped propel the company into the Fortune 500, and remained a trusted adviser even after retirement. 

In true Macalester spirit, Pinkett has embraced the principles of giving back through leadership roles on the boards of United Way, YWCA, and more. She brings that same energy to Macalester and has served on the Alumni Board and Board of Trustees. In 1999, she co-chaired the first Alumni of Color Reunion, which reengaged scores of alumni and helped spark the American Studies Department and the Department of Multicultural Life.

“Macalester taught me to think expansively, critically, and respectfully,” she says. “To ask, ‘why not?’ instead of ‘why.’”

Dr. Richard Solazzi ’75

Distinguished Citizen Award

After participating in several medical missions, Richard Solazzi ’75 grew frustrated with the impermanence of many medical aid models—so the Seattle anesthesiologist set out to develop a sustainable program to support long-term, holistic collaborations with communities. In 2008, he and a partner formed a nonprofit that later evolved into Resolute Health Outreach. 

The team partnered with Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and soon expanded to a second hospital. Several times a year, Solazzi led volunteers—anesthesiologists, nurses, medical technicians, and surgeons—to work at the hospitals for two to three weeks at a time. Teams provided equipment and trained an expanding group of health care workers. Throughout, his inclusive approach has been grounded in equitable partnerships, fostering close connections among volunteers and the city’s medical community. “In the process, Solazzi has bridged cultural, economic, religious, and political gaps, and formed many lifelong friendships,” his nominator writes.

Although civil unrest in Ethiopia paused Resolute Health Outreach’s travel in recent years, Solazzi works remotely to provide equipment, supplies, and other support. Today, he continues to drive Resolute Health Outreach’s vision as president and board chair, with plans to return to Addis Ababa soon. Writes his nominator: “Richard is a true representative of core Mac values in humanity, humility, inclusion, empathy, and internationalism.”

Magdalena Mora ’13

Young Alumni Award

As an illustrator and designer, Magdalena Mora ’13 has built a career at the intersection of art, storytelling, and social justice. Her bold and evocative illustrations have brought to life children’s books such as The Notebook Keeper and Tomatoes in My Lunchbox, offering young readers meaningful reflections on themes such as immigration, cultural identity, and family. 

“Beyond her artistic accomplishments, what stands out most about Magdalena is her heart,” her nominator writes. “Her design philosophy stems from her belief in art as a form of activism, a means to challenge the status quo, and a platform to celebrate the beauty of diversity.”

Mora is committed to making children’s literature more accessible and representative—particularly for Latinx and immigrant communities. 

Her nominator writes: “Magdalena is not only a product of her Macalester education but also a source of inspiration for others looking to use their own talents to make a difference. She shows how creativity, passion, and a commitment to social good can come together to change the world.”

Daymond Dean ’91

Alumni Service Award

Every few weeks on Saturday mornings, you can find Daymond Dean at the Good Day Cafe in Golden Valley with a group of Mac classmates—a tradition illustrating his deep belief in the power of relationships and community.

His nominators call him an exceptional connector who has remained deeply connected to campus life since graduation—serving on the Alumni Board and as a Strategic Planning Champion, volunteering with the M Club, nurturing intergenerational connections, recruiting committee volunteers, coaching football, and even working in Admissions and Alumni Engagement. He started at Mac with the Class of 1990 and graduated with the Class of 1991, but is so connected to both classes that he often helps plan both Reunions. It’s no wonder he’s earned the nickname “Mr. Macalester” from peers.

Along the way, he has found that opportunities to learn and grow at Macalester extend far beyond graduation. “I’ve developed my voice through volunteering, and this community is a great space to practice leadership,” he says. “When you find such a caring community, you want to give your time to help sustain its mission and values.”

Josh Aaker ’05

Alumni Service Award

If you’re a Macalester alum in Chicago, you’ve likely encountered Josh Aaker ’05 at Mac events—especially the Nog and Glögg holiday party for alumni and parents that Aaker started in 2013 with his classmate Jeremy Barr. After the first gathering drew alumni spanning 30 years, Nog and Glögg has grown into a tradition—and the longest-running volunteer-led event in the Mac alumni community.

It’s also just one example of Aaker’s deep dedication to building community across generations. In addition to his leadership in the Chicago chapter, he has hosted Mac in Your City events, served as a Class Agent, and helped shape Scots Pride programming in meaningful ways including planning Scots Pride Reunions. He has also served on four class Reunion committees, including for his 20th Reunion this year. 

In Aaker’s words: “What inspires me and brings me joy is seeing the alumni network as a living, breathing community. It is amazing to watch brand-new grads swap ideas with those Golden Scots who’ve been flying the tartan for decades. That’s the collaboration that makes Mac special and keeps me proud to be part of it.”

Melvin Collins ’75

Alumni Service Award

Melvin Collins ’75 learned firsthand about community engagement from his mother, who led his school’s parent-teacher association, then served as an alderman in St. Louis local government. “She was my shining example,” he says. “She always told us, ‘Do what you can to make a difference—you have gifts and skills that others don’t, and you need to share.’”

Collins carried that inspiration into a career path focused on nonprofit organizations, as a community leader, and through five decades of extraordinary dedication to Macalester. In 1999, he co-chaired the first Alumni of Color Reunion, shaping a meaningful gathering that spurred renewed engagement among many alumni of color. After that, Collins served for six years on the Alumni Board, then six more on the Board of Trustees. His many committee roles include co-chairing the Class of 1975’s 50th Reunion Engagement Committee this year. His nominators marvel at his inclusive, visionary leadership style, and his ability to harness a group’s energy and ideas to reach everyone’s goals. 

He’s motivated by ensuring future Macalester students have the same opportunities he did. “On this journey, how do we continue to add joy and add value?” he says. “Volunteering has been one way I knew I could do that.”  

Alumni Award nominations are open now through October 1. Learn more: macalester.edu/alumni/alumniawards