Gracie Alvarez Named 2026 Binder Prize Winner 

Building Attendant Gracie Alvarez was in a daily team meeting when the announcement of the Mary G. Binder Prize winner came up. At first, she thought the honor was for another team member. Then she saw the bouquet of flowers.

“All of a sudden, it hit me,” Alvarez recalled. “I was laughing and crying at the same time because I was just so incredibly nervous.”

Alvarez, who has 33 years of service at the College, was named the 2026 Mary G. Binder Prize winner, an award that recognizes outstanding support staff.

Early in her career, Alvarez spent five years on the grounds crew, where she was the only woman working across The Claremont Colleges. She now serves as a building attendant alongside Travis Paddock, mail and custodial services manager, who called her, “Absolutely amazing—one of my best. She’s very supportive of the College and great with students.”

Nominators praised Alvarez for her smile, care and dedication. One nominator noted, “Gracie has a very kind soul. She always smiles when she sees me, asks me about my day, and is really interested in how I am doing. She is a hard-working and resilient woman who keeps Drinkward safe and clean. She shows up to work early and on time and is committed to getting her work done.”

Alvarez said it’s been a pleasure to work for Harvey Mudd and, as she approaches retirement, she’s hesitant to leave. “I believe that for me, it’s like time went by quickly. I love it here because it’s a good place to work,” she said. “The students make it worth it. Sometimes I see them when they return, now with kids of their own, and they still greet me, happy to see me.”

The Binder Prize honors a member of HMC’s support staff “who combines a record of exceptional service with a truly helpful and friendly attitude toward students, faculty and fellow staff members across the College.” The prize was established in 1996 by engineering Professor Emeritus Sam Tanenbaum and his wife, Carol, in honor of Carol’s mother. It includes a $1,000 award and a commemorative certificate, and Alvarez’s name will be added to the Mary G. Binder Prize plaque in the foyer of Galileo Hall.