Start of Main Content
With Gratitude Awards
The annual With Gratitude event recognizes remarkable alumni with four awards and celebrates Kellogg donors.
Kellogg leaders in action
Recipients of the Kellogg Alumni Awards live out the school’s values in their professional and philanthropic pursuits. They are notable leaders around the world who represent a variety of industries.
Each year, the Wade Fetzer Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding dedication and loyalty in support of the Kellogg alumni community. The Schaffner Award honors an alumnus for exemplifying Kellogg values through significant contributions to society. The Distinguished Alumni Service Award celebrates those who help shape Kellogg’s strategy, culture and brand while effectively leading organizations.
In 2025, Kellogg introduced the Young Alumni Award to honor individuals who have made an impact on the Kellogg alumni community and demonstrated exceptional leadership within 10 years of graduation.
Joseph Sun ’96 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Across careers and continents, Joseph’s Kellogg education has served as a steady compass. Guided by generosity and long-standing commitment, he has played a pivotal role in expanding Kellogg and Northwestern’s presence in Taiwan and strengthening both the student and alumni communities.
Pete Sonsini ’96 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
By embracing emerging technologies and creating opportunities in higher education, Pete's career in venture capital reflects Kellogg’s goals as an institution. He’s left a lasting impact on Silicon Valley and the broader tech world by prioritizing people alongside profit.
Charlie Baker ’86 MBA, Schaffner Award
Charlie’s leadership style is rooted in service to others. From his time as governor of Massachusetts to his current role as president of the NCAA, Charlie has championed bold reforms that solve complex issues and directly benefit the people he serves.
Alyssa Posklensky ’21 MBA, Young Alumni Award
Through tireless advocacy and thoughtful leadership, Alyssa has made a meaningful impact on the Kellogg community early in her alumni journey. As co-founder of the Young Alumni Board, she has helped elevate the Kellogg experience for current students and laid the groundwork for deeper engagement among recent alumni.
In good company: A look at past award winners
Shaun Finnie ’95 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Explore how Shaun’s deep commitment to the Kellogg community impacts students and alumni across generations.
Wendy Abrams ’90 MBA, Trustee, Schaffner Award
Discover the significant strides Wendy has made in educating future business leaders about the importance of environmental sustainability.
Salman Amin ’85 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Learn how Salman’s commitment to compassion has helped him leave a legacy of organizational change across CPG.
Tobenna Egwu ’20 MBA, Young Alumni Award
See how Tobenna is developing better people in the workforce and why her dynamic leadership style earned her the inaugural Young Alumni Award.
Steven G. Booth ’89 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Learn how Steve’s empathetic and collaborative approach to leadership has positively impacted both Baird Financial Group and Kellogg.
Jill M. Garling ’84 MBA, Schaffner Award
Explore Jill’s impactful work and learn how her decades-long commitment to civic life has transformed communities across Chicago and beyond.
Tarek Elmasry ’94 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Discover how Tarek embodies the Kellogg spirit through his work at the university and McKinsey & Company.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra ’03, ’08 MBA, Schaffner Award
Learn about Roshni’s philanthropic work in wildlife, conservation and education equality and her leadership of HCL Technologies.
Paula B. Pretlow ’77, ’78 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Hear about Paula’s impact on the financial industry and the major corporate and philanthropic boards on which she serves.
Michael S. Shannon ’83 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Learn about Mike’s optimistic and collaborative worldview that drives his leadership in private equity and at Kellogg and Northwestern.
Stanley R. Day Jr. ’84 MBA, Schaffner Award
Learn about Stan's work in Chicago, New Orleans and globally through SRAM, the NewDay Foundation and World Bicycle Relief.
Edith W. Cooper ’86 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Hear from Edith about her path-breaking career on Wall Street and her extraordinary service to Northwestern and Kellogg.
William A. Osborn ’69, ’73 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Hear how Bill "shines by reflective light" in his leadership of Northern Trust and at Northwestern and Kellogg.
*Awarded in 2020, celebrated at the 2022 With Gratitude event.
Selim Antoine Bassoul ’81 MBA, Schaffner Award
Learn about Selim's dedication to Kellogg, and his award-winning leadership of the Middleby Corporation and the Bassoul Dignity Foundation.
Catherine Craighead Briggs ’94 MBA, Wade Fetzer Award
Hear about Catherine's impact on Kellogg and her career as a marketing consultant and civic and philanthropic leader.
Christopher B. Galvin ’73, ’77 MBA, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Learn about Chris's service to Kellogg and Northwestern, and his leadership of Harrison Street Capital and Motorola.
