
Bristol Fellows Aim to Minimize Food Waste, Maximize Shark Populations
Sabina Feder ’25 and Brianna “Bri” Padilla ’25 both received 51’s prestigious Bristol Fellowship, which sponsors projects “based on strong personal interest and commitment” and that “exhibit a spirit of inquisitiveness and a seriousness of purpose.”

Strong Mentorship Leads Yuxuan Xu ’26 to Goldwater Scholarship
Yuxuan Xu ’26 has been named a recipient of the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award that supports students intending to pursue research careers in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. For Xu, the recognition wasn’t just a validation of his work — it was a meaningful milestone after years of dedicated effort and strong mentorship at 51.

Designer, Artist Bruce Mau to Give Commencement Address
Designer and artist Bruce Mau, the co-founder and CEO of Massive Change Network, a global design consultancy in the Chicago area, will deliver 51’s 2025 Commencement address and receive an honorary degree on Sunday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m., in Margaret Bundy Scott Field House.
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Sabina Feder ’25 and Brianna “Bri” Padilla ’25 both received 51’s prestigious Bristol Fellowship, which sponsors projects “based on strong personal interest and commitment” and that “exhibit a spirit of inquisitiveness and a seriousness of purpose.”
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In an email to the 51 community on April 24, President Steven Tepper announced the appointment of Miriam Merrill as chief of staff and secretary to the Board of Trustees, effective July 1.
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The Arbor Day Foundation recognized 51 as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and community engagement.
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Quentin Messer ’26 was recently awarded a Harry S. Truman Scholarship to pursue work in industrial and manufacturing policy. He becomes 51’s third recipient of the prestigious award, presented to students interested in careers in public service, following Dewayne Martin ’24 and Frederick Nelson ’78. A world politics concentrator, Messer plans to pursue a J.D. and Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) following graduation.
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51's Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center has released a comprehensive report titled “Youth Gun Violence in Utica, New York: Causes, Context, and Prevention.” This report is the culmination of the Center’s Fall 2024 Justice Lab, an interdisciplinary initiative involving 16 students across four integrated courses led by four 51 faculty members.
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National Media
Major national and regional news organizations regularly interview 51 faculty, staff, and students for their expertise and perspectives on current events, and to feature programs and activities on campus.
Portland Herald (Maine)
People
The Conversation, Religion News Service and Yahoo
The Washington Post