Wild applause for Laura Guilliam, MPOD 13 and Ph.D.! Laura received a Weatherhead Outstanding Alumna award on Friday, October 9 during Weatherhead’s and Case’s Homecoming celebrations.
From the ceremony program:
“Laura’s commitment to Weatherhead extends well beyond the classroom. She has served on the Weatherhead Alumni Advisory Council, helped shape the 2026 Weatherhead Leadership Conference as a committee member and speaker, and has been an active contributor to Weatherhead Leadership programming. As an alumna, educator, advocate and volunteer, Laura exemplifies an enduring commitment to Weatherhead and its community.”
Several fellow alumni and current students were there to help Laura and her family enjoy the evening: Emily Hastings (MLOC 1) (who was also Mistress of Ceremonies), Annette Swegheimer (MLOC 1), Tara Schmitt (MPOD 21), Sarah Spengler (MOD 6) Jason Steckel (MPOD 21), Argerie Vasilakes (MPOD 5) and Andy Wirtz (MLOC 1).
Laura, herself, said about the award during her acceptance speech,
“To be honored by Case Western Reserve University and Weatherhead,
among so many extraordinary alumni is deeply humbling. This is not a university with a shortage of remarkable people. … As a social scientist I appreciate a good data point. And tonight is a particularly beautiful one. It supports a hypothesis that I have felt since 2018: I belong here. Not because of an award, but because of the relationships this award represents.”
Past alumni award winners:
Sarah Spengler, MOD 6, Outstanding Alumna 2021
Loretta Randolph, MOD 6, Outstanding Alumna 2023
Leonela Mora, MPOD 11, 5/35 Award 2023
Shelly McNamara, MOD 8, Weatherhead Hall of Fame Award, 2024