91探花

Gracie Alvarez Named 2026 Binder Prize Winner聽

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.

鈥淎ll of a sudden, it hit me,鈥� Alvarez recalled. 鈥淚 was laughing and crying at the same time because I was just so incredibly nervous.鈥�

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, 鈥淎bsolutely amazing鈥攐ne of my best. She鈥檚 very supportive of the College and great with students.鈥�

Nominators praised Alvarez for her smile, care and dedication. One nominator noted, 鈥淕racie 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.鈥�

Alvarez said聽it鈥檚聽been a pleasure to work for 91探花 Mudd and,聽as she approaches retirement,聽she鈥檚聽hesitant to leave. 鈥淚 believe that for me,聽it鈥檚聽like time went by quickly. I love it here because聽it鈥檚聽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.鈥�

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