Maccolades for December 2024: Praise from Norway, arts advocate award, Twin Cities’ finest in business, and more

Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from December 2024.

High honors from Norway 

Norway’s Minister for Equality awarded the country’s annual Unique Voice Award to three people, including Macalester student Laura Neal ’27. Coinciding with the United Nations International Day for Disabled People, this was the first time this award recognized disability justice work. Neal was cited for her efforts to increase access to higher education opportunities for disabled people in Norway. In their nomination, the jury stated: “Being honest about the challenges and obstacles faced by disabled people in education requires a courageous and brave person like Laura. Through her writing, she has impacted and garnered responses from governors, the Ministry of Education, CEOs, and national leaders, sparking real change in Norway.”

A seat at the global table

Marouane El Bahraoui ’25 (Temara, Morocco) attended the fully-funded World Affairs Councils of America National Conference in Washington, D.C., as one of 25 student-scholars selected from a competitive applicant pool. 

“It was an incredible opportunity to represent both Global Minnesota and Macalester among diplomats, think-tank experts, and other leaders in international affairs,” he said.

El Bahraoui attended panels on international affairs, engaged with panelists from think tanks, research, and political institutions, and asked questions relevant to his academic and professional goals. He also met with the Moroccan ambassador to the U.S. and represented Morocco at dinner tables with other diplomats.

Leading with strings attached 

Professor Thomas Rosenberg, who teaches cello and chamber music at Macalester, was named Arts Advocate of the Year by Chamber Music America. As artistic director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association since 1981, Rosenberg has exemplified consummate leadership and a commitment to advancing the arts on a national scale, the organization noted. “His nurturing of countless ensembles, including those in the junior division, has been an incredible boon for small ensemble growth,” said one nominator, and his work developing extensive community engagement programs has greatly contributed to chamber music’s proliferation.

Mac grads mean business 

Two Macalester graduates made the “Twin Cities Business 100,” a list spotlighting Minnesota business leaders likely to drive change in the year ahead. Shelley Carthen Watson ’82, president and CEO of YWCA Minneapolis, leads the 132-year-old organization as it tackles modern challenges. Originally a respite for downtown working women, the Y now focuses on early childhood education, after-school programs, job training, and social services for low-income communities. Watson is addressing two major hurdles from COVID-19: mental health trauma and the decline of a fitness business that once supported the Y’s mission. 

Jake Holdreith ’87, managing partner at Robins Kaplan, leads the firm’s health and life sciences industry group. Promoted in March to head the Minneapolis office, he attributes the firm’s growth to attorneys who deliver results and solve complex business challenges. Holdreith notes that intellectual property litigation is increasing in life sciences, high technology, and artificial intelligence. 

Shaking up the art world 

Macalester graduate Anna Kornbluh ’99 is #9 on “Power 100,” the annual ranking of the most influential people in art from ArtReview, an international contemporary art magazine. The ranking refers to Kornbluh’s Immediacy: Or, The Style of Too Late Capitalism as “the most buzzed-about book of art theory this year, and with good reason.”

Tech-savvy leadership 

Vice President of Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer Jenn Haas was named to the Twin Cities Business 2024 Notable Women in Technology list. In her role, Haas demonstrates that information technology cannot be treated like a mere utility — instead, it is integral to Macalester’s educational mission. She excels at developing solutions that make teaching and learning at Macalester stronger. Her impact on the information technology field extends far beyond campus through her service as vice chair of the Consortium of Liberal Arts Colleges. This honor recognizes Haas as a visionary leader who excels in adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape, drives technological advancements, and mentors the next generation of leaders to ensure Macalester remains at the cutting edge of innovation.

All rise for Mac’s moot court 

At the Chicago regional tournament, Macalester’s moot court team dominated the competition and qualified all three entries to the next stage of the national event. The team of Kofi Anyimadu ’28 and Eva Sturm ’26 were undefeated on Day 1 and entered the knock-out stage as the top seed among the 26 teams in the competition, before falling in the quarterfinals. But Macalester’s two other entries reached the knock-out stage as the 3rd and 4th seeds, and then proceeded to eliminate perennial strong programs such as the University of Chicago and Eastern Michigan University on the way to facing one another in the final round of the tournament. In a friendly but fabulous match, Laila Reja ’27 and Sayuri Cumaranatunge ’27 narrowly topped Riley Hodin ’25 and Reece Robinson ’26 to claim the title of regional champion. Reece was also recognized as the third-best individual in the tournament. All three teams will next compete at the University of Kentucky in January. 

A notable CFO 

Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Patricia Langer was named a Twin Cities Business 2024 Notable Chief Financial Officer. Since stepping into her role in 2021, Langer’s work has put the college on even stronger financial footing. She is a problem-solver who is deeply committed to making Macalester a better workplace, leading initiatives focused on employee morale and safety. 

How to be considered for future Maccolades

If you or someone you know recently earned an award, fellowship, or honor and would like it to be considered for inclusion in next month’s Maccolades, please let Communications & Marketing know by filling out this Maccolades form. For recent book publications, please use this book publication form.