In 2008, in honor of the 50th anniversary, the Catlin Gabel Alumni Board announced an expanded alumni awards program recognizing the achievements of a diverse group of Catlin Gabel alumni. The 2009 honorees will be announced in Spring 2010 and recognized at the kick-off to Alumni Weekend at the Community Celebration party on June 18, 2010.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Granted to Catlin Gabel graduates or former students for significant accomplishments in business or professional life.

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Granted to Catlin Gabel graduates or former students for extraordinary service to their community, state, nation, or the world.

Distinguished Younger Alumni Award

Granted to Catlin Gabel graduates or former students who have achieved much in the arena of professional accomplishments or social service before the age of 40.

Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Please email alumni@catlin.edu for more information.

2008 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Charlotte Coe Murray '47 - Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, architect and historic preservationist, Vancouver, B.C.

Jordan Schnitzer '69 - Distinguished Alumni Service Award, president and CEO, Harsch Investment Properties, Portland; longtime civic leader and philanthropist

Phil Buchanan '88 - Distinguished Younger Alumni Award, president, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Cambridge, Massachusetts

 Matt Folkestad '82 Memorial Award

Paul Folkestad '02 attended the Upper School assembly on March 20 to present the 2008 Matt Folkestad '82 Memorial Award to Jack Rossing '09. The award, which was named in memory of Paul's twin brother, is given to the most improved boys varsity basketball player of the season.

The Matt Folkestad '82 Memorial Award was established during the 2003-04 basketball season in honor of Matt, who played varsity basketball during his high school years at Catlin Gabel. Matt was killed in a car accident during his junior year, but the team he had played with went on to the state tournament. Though Matt was not there in person his senior year, he was certainly a presence that propelled the team into its only state tournament appearance in Catlin Gabel's history.

Matt’s hard work, efforts, and dedication were an inspiration to his teammates. Through his tenacity and determination, Matt showed marked improvement in his skills and abilities. The award honors those traits and characteristics that Matt brought to the court, and his commitment to the sport of basketball at Catlin Gabel.

Matt and Paul's good friends David Cory '82, David McKay '82, and Roman Raimondo '82 were also on hand for Paul's presentation, which was a moving and funny tribute to Matt's spirit and his legacy. Jack, who remembered the presentation of last year's award, was excited to receive the plaque this year.