Celebrating Recent Graduates

WPI Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) recently announced the inaugural GOLD 10 Under 10 Award to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of WPI’s recent graduates. The four criteria that define a GOLD 10 Under 10 awardee are career achievements, philanthropic endeavors, community outreach and inclusion, and artistic impact and accomplishments. This year’s award winners have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the noted areas and have made a significant impact on their local or global communities.

1. Christina Bailey-Hytholt ’15

“I have had many tremendous mentors throughout my academic journey who offered their time and guidance to me. I now find it so important to give this time to the students I serve as a mentor, because I know the impact that it could make.”

2. Morgan Bell ’17

“Giving back to others is the only way that we will continue to move forward. I wouldn’t have been able to attend WPI without the scholarships I received, many of which were made possible through donations from others. I wouldn’t have gotten all of the experiences I did at WPI if others hadn’t given back their time or chosen to invest in me. I try to live by the mantra ‘be the person you needed when you were younger.’”

3. Marissa Capua ’14

“Giving back to the organizations and people who have already given so much to us is a sign of gratitude and appreciation, and it is a way to lead by example for others in those organizations to continue to pay it forward.”

4. Jorgo Gushi ’22

“In all my endeavors so far, my motto has been: ‘We rise by lifting others.’ Giving back is not only about enriching your perspective of the world, but it empowers you to better the lives of those around you.”

5. Conor Hoey ’18

“WPI provided me with a great foundation for professional success while simultaneously cultivating some of the most important relationships in my life. Giving back to WPI matters to me because I feel that others deserve the same opportunity that I had to better myself at the university.”

6. Marisol Mari Sanchez ’21

“Investing your time in others creates such an important positive ripple effect. This is especially true if you’re giving back in a way that you are passionate about. Passion moves people; having that passion to do good and give back can spark so many positive things in others.”

7. Emily Molstad ’19

“Volunteering your time is one of the most rewarding ways to stay connected to the WPI community and support its growth. It’s provided a valuable path for me to stay up-to-date on the different opportunities for WPI alumni and opened doors for me to provide support where I can to current students.”

8. Miles Nallen ’19

“Giving back time to WPI and others is important because I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today and had the opportunities that I’ve had without the help I’ve received from others over the years—especially from WPI alumni. It’s important to me to pay it forward and help current WPI students in any way I can, just like alumni did for me when I was an undergrad.”

9. Nde Nkimbeng ’18

“I’ve always been driven by a desire to contribute to the world. I strive to make a difference in the lives of others every single day. It’s my life’s mission.”

10. Aaron Weeks ’18

“Giving back is so important because it’s amazing to see the difference you can make for a cause or for another person.”

If you’re interested in becoming a GOLD committee member or have an idea for a great event, email gold@wpi.edu.