Harvey Mudd Alumni Association Announces 2026 Awards

The Harvey Mudd College Alumni Association has announced its 2026 award recipients, honoring eight individuals for their extraordinary contributions to science, technology, education and the HMC community.

Outstanding Alumni

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to their fields and embody the College’s mission to produce engineers, scientists, and mathematicians who not only achieve technical mastery but also understand the impact of their work on society.

Scott Owen ’65

For a lifetime of scholarship, innovation, leadership, and service at the crossroads of science, technology and education. A pioneer in computer graphics, Owen transitioned from a career in physical chemistry to become a founding member of Georgia State University’s Department of Computer Science. His global leadership within ACM SIGGRAPH, including serving as president and founding the SIGGRAPH Educators Program, has left an indelible mark on how computer science is taught and practiced worldwide.

Darin Grant ’96

For visionary leadership and industry-shaping contributions to the science and technology of computer animation and visual effects. From groundbreaking work on Fight Club to leading production technology for Kung Fu Panda and The Lego Movie 2, Grant has consistently bridged the gap between artistry and engineering. Currently the senior vice president of global technology at Netflix Animation Studios, his commitment to open-source collaboration and leadership within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has empowered creators across the globe.

Robert Hulse ’96/97

For significant contributions in science and technology as an intellectual property lawyer. With a foundation in engineering from Harvey Mudd, Hulse has shaped the IP portfolios of the world’s most influential tech giants, including Facebook, Apple and Google. As a partner at Fenwick & West and an educator at UC Law San Francisco, he has protected the innovations that define modern digital life while serving his alma mater as a dedicated Trustee.

Erik Ring ’96

For global contributions and a commitment to improving the human experience through sustainable design. A LEED Fellow—an honor held by fewer than 1% of professionals—Ring has served as the engineer-of-record for over 100 LEED projects. As director of engineering for LPA Design Studios, his work on net-zero buildings and carbon reduction models has set a new standard for the built environment, proving that technical brilliance and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.

Ajay Mukesh Shah ’06

For outstanding technical contributions to society through the development of rapid clinical diagnostics. Shah’s entrepreneurship has quite literally saved lives. As co-founder of medical diagnostics company CytoVale, he developed IntelliSep, the first FDA-cleared cellular host response diagnostic for sepsis. Shah’s work allows emergency departments to treat the world’s leading cause of hospital deaths with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Suzanne Hawley ’81

For outstanding contributions to astrophysics as a researcher, educator and leader. A leading authority on stellar flares and low-mass stars, Hawley defined her 25-year tenure at the University of Washington through prolific research and dedicated mentorship. The longtime director of the ARC 3.5-m telescope at Apache Point Observatory, she helped pioneer remote observatory operations, facilitating data for hundreds of papers and dozens of doctoral dissertations.

Honorary Alumnae

The Honorary Alumna/us designation is given to friends of the College who have demonstrated a deep commitment to its mission and community. This year, the alumni association honors the daughters of Harvey Mudd’s Founding President Joe Platt and First Lady Jean Platt. Beth Garrow and Ann Walker remain connected to the College and support scholarships named after their parents and grandparents (Mildred P. and Clements H. Ferguson).

Beth Garrow

The youngest daughter of Joe and Jean, Garrow grew up on campus during the College’s foundational years. A veteran leader in the nonprofit and development sector, she continues her parents’ legacy through her support scholarships and by including the College in her and her husband Tom’s estate plan. Her dedication to student success ensures the College’s mission remains vibrant.

Ann Walker

A professor emerita in genetic and genomic medicine at UC Irvine, Walker has spent her career at the forefront of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Beyond her distinguished medical career and leadership in national genetic societies—she’s founding president of American Board of Genetic Counseling—Walker remains deeply connected to HMC through her support of endowed scholarships and care of her family’s archives.