The Tepper School MBA Clubs Recognize Outstanding Alumni Achievements
By Sheila Davis
On Saturday, Nov. 4, the Tepper School Alumni Relations office hosted the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) Alumni Club Awards Ceremony to honor the careers and significant contributions of three distinguished alumni. The event celebrated the recipients of the "Alumni of the Year Award," who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in their careers, service to the Tepper School community, and DEI&B.
The awardees, carefully selected by student committees, have not only excelled in their professional careers but have also exhibited a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity within society. Their achievements extend beyond the business realm, reflecting a shared passion for making a positive impact on the community.
Distinguished Award Recipients
Joseph Akpan (MBA 2008) Received the Alphonso Whitfield, Jr. Award and was acknowledged for his outstanding contributions to the Black Business Association and African Business Collective.
Juan Pablo Rubiano-Groot (MBA 2011) - Recognized on behalf of the Tepper Latin American Business Club (LABC) for his strong leadership.
Jared Worful (MBA 2015) - Honored for his impactful work with Out&Allied, showcasing a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
“This award holds a special meaning for me because it is a testament to my journey as a Tepper alum,” said Joseph Akpan. “It embodies the transformational experiences that I had here and how what I learned has enabled me to make an impact in the world, through my professional and community work.”
Juan Pablo Rubiano-Groot, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “I'm incredibly honored and excited to receive this award from the LABC, a club that I enjoyed leading back during my Tepper days, which represents a community that I care about deeply, and one that I strive to continue supporting in ways big and small.”
Jared Worful said he was honored to receive the inaugural Out&Allied Alumni of the Year award. “I'm humbled to receive this award, which, for me, recognizes the spirit of Tepper - a place of community, authenticity and inclusive leadership.”
The significance of these awards extends beyond individual accomplishments; it underscores the commitment of the Tepper School MBA Clubs to recognize and celebrate alumni who contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society. These exceptional individuals serve as role models, demonstrating the importance of leadership, passion, and dedication in making our community a better place for all.
Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean of the Tepper School, was unable to join the ceremony in person but welcomed attendees to the awards ceremony through a video message. She highlighted the accomplishments of the three awardees and celebrated them for going above and beyond in promoting DEI&B efforts.
“These outstanding individuals prove the power of our community and shared values. They have demonstrated that by fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, we can achieve greatness and break down barriers that once seemed insurmountable,” said Bajeux.
