Each year, the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes alumni for their exceptional contributions to their fields and their dedication to others in their community. By honoring graduates of the college and its predecessor institutions, we reaffirm a legacy of excellence, and we encourage and inspire future alumni—students who look to the award recipients and see the value of an education in the arts and sciences.
The 2022 distinguished alumni awards recipients represent the very best of the college and Case Western Reserve University.
Distinguished Young Alumni of the Year
Given to alums age 40 or younger for outstanding achievements early in their careers. This year, there are two recipients:
Yvette Cendes (CWR ’09, CWR ’11)
Yvette is a dual graduate of the physics department, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in 2011. Yvette received her PhD in astronomy from Leiden University. Today, she is a postdoctoral fellow in astronomy at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, where she works on radio signals from the biggest explosions in the universe. Yvette is also a well-known freelance writer, whose articles have appeared in Scientific American, Astronomy, Discover and other prominent magazines. She is also the astronomy consultant for the 2022 Guinness Book of World Records.
Tina Saw (CWR ’10)
Tina’s efforts as a dentist and serial entrepreneur have led to improved dental care for patients. Her latest venture, Oral Genome, manufactures saliva testing kits that analyze people’s risks for dental cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Tina has traveled abroad to treat underserved populations, and she has helped change people’s lives by transforming their smiles. As a recognized expert in dentistry, she often appears in magazine and newspaper stories as well as on podcasts. In all these ways, she has helped advance dental practices worldwide. Tina earned her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2010.
Distinguished Service Award
Given to alums for outstanding volunteer service in the community along with professional excellence.
Laurence P. Rubinow (ADL ’66)
Lawrence, or “Laurie” for short, retired as special counsel with the law firm McCarter & English, LLP in 2019, after over 50 years of practicing law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Adelbert College in 1966. Laurie served on the boards of Manchester Memorial Hospital, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, the Connecticut Hospital Association and the Visiting Nurse and Health Services of Connecticut. He devoted his career to three areas: law, banking and charitable organizations. Laurie continues a tradition and life outlook that his parents instilled in him to help others.
Distinguished Graduate Alumnus of the Year Award
Given to alums for outstanding professional achievements, community service and leadership.
Kent Cartwright (GRS ’79)
Kent received his PhD in English in 1979. As a teacher and scholar, Kent works in the field of late medieval and Renaissance literature, especially drama. His driving interest has been in how literature moves its readers and audiences. Kent served as an elected trustee of the Shakespeare Association of America. At Maryland, he served as chair of the University Senate and for six years as chair of the English department he worked to build the English major, improve conditions for graduate students, increase support for faculty research, enhance financial resources and launched a new center for literary studies.
Distinguished Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year
Given to alums who have distinguished themselves with distinct achievements in their professions or community service and have made significant contributions through demonstrated leadership.
Jim “Great Neck” Richman (ADL ’72)
“Great Neck” graduated from Adelbert College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972. He is CEO of Richloom Fabrics and sits on the Board of Case Western Reserve University, the Board of Trustees at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, and the Board of Overseers at the New York University Stern School of Business (involved in the school of business and human rights). Great Neck and his wife, Elissa, have been generous supporters of the Center for Popular Music Studies in the college and the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at The Temple–Tifereth Israel.
Read the full biographies for our 2022 distinguished alumni award winners.
Nominations open for 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards