The annual John W. Mackay Banquet brings Mackay School alumni, students, staff and industry partners into one large banquet hall to celebrate the year’s successes and honorees. Held on April 28 at the Reno Ballrooms, a few hundred people enjoyed a full dinner and program.
The event began with hors d’oeuvres and mingling with several tables set up around the room where industry partners had the opportunity to learn more about student activities on campus. One prominently featured group was the Mackay Muckers, whose Women’s team had recently returned victorious from the Intercollegiate Mining Competition in Australia.
Melissa Harmon, alumna and member of the Mackay School’s Executive Advisory Board, was the Master of Ceremonies. After a plated dinner, Annie Huhta presented donors, staff and students with awards.
Ann Marie and Richard Harris sponsored commemorative glassware with the Mackay School logo, and the underwriting sponsor for the event was Kappes, Cassiday & Associates.
The following awards were presented.
Friend of Mackay Award
Katherine McCall
Alice Kellames Award
Rozena Brecke
Spirit of Mackay Award
Dan Kappes
Vernon E. Scheid Award
Lea Gifford
Gordon C. Frisby Award
Mahdi Shahsavar
The Watchman Award
Karlee Bolle
Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Student Awards
- Outstanding undergraduate student: Alejandro Robles-Garcia
- Outstanding graduate student: Peter Chidi Augustine
Department of Geography
- Outstanding undergraduate student: Alejandra Griswold
- Outstanding graduate student: Lauren Phillips
Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering
- Outstanding undergraduate student: Kevin Ostfeld
- Outstanding graduate student: Heather Winslow
Outstanding Service to Mackay: Mackay Student Employees
- Jahmeyel Blackman
- Hannah Potts
- Natalie Rubio
- Bryce Rogers
- Vincent Soldano
Recognition of Support: Corporate Sponsors
- Coeur Mining, Inc.
- Freeport – McMoRan
- Kinross Gold Corporation
- Nevada Gold Mines
- Newmont Corporation
- SSR Mining
