Two named Aloian Memorial Scholars

Kathryn Walsh ’14, of Adams House, and Roland Yang ’14, of Kirkland House, have been named this year’s David and Mimi Aloian Memorial Scholars, chosen each May by the Harvard Alumni Association. Walsh and Yang will be honored at the fall meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association’s Board of Directors on Oct. 24.

The criteria for the award reflect the traits valued and embodied by the late David and Mimi Aloian: thoughtful leadership that makes the College an exciting place in which to live and study, and special contributions to the quality of life in the Houses. David Aloian ’49 was the Alumni Association’s executive director from 1978 to 1986, and he and his wife, Mary (“Mimi”), served as masters of Quincy House from 1981 to 1986.

Walsh, of Westbrook, Maine, is co-chair of the Adams House Committee, of which she was previously the secretary. According to her House master, she is “the acknowledged student leader of Adams House … [bringing] life and enthusiasm to every venture she has taken on.” A true community builder, Walsh has helped create “Neighborhood Block Parties” with Quincy and Lowell Houses, write tour scripts for Housing Day, improve House spaces through renovations, and coordinate social outings that incorporate an element of public service — all in order to build a welcoming and inclusive environment for her peers.

Yang, of Villanova, Penn., is the “conscience of the community” within Kirkland House, according to his House master. Yang’s pervasive presence at House events underscores his commitment to his home. He is currently leading the charge to create a digital file of images to serve as a visual history of Kirkland, which he hopes to disseminate to his fellow housemates and Kirkland alumni. Yang is a very active participant at the various language tables, including French, Spanish, and the newly created Chinese. He is also a member of the advisory committee of Conversations With Kirkland, as both a host and a participant.