Five outstanding alumni recognized for their impact, achievements

The Alumni Association Awards honor alumni and friends whose professional accomplishments, service and leadership reflect the values and spirit of Case Western Reserve. The five 2026 recipients will be recognized at the Alumni Awards Luncheon during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Oct. 8-11.

“This year’s honorees represent the very best of the Case Western Reserve community,” said Kari Cunningham (DEN ’10, ’12), chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors’ Recognition Committee. “Through their professional achievements, service and leadership, each has made an extraordinary impact in their field and in the lives of others. We are proud to celebrate them during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend and to recognize the many ways they reflect the values, excellence and spirit of CWRU.”

Recipients are selected by the Recognition Committee from nominations submitted by the campus community.

This year’s honorees are:

Distinguished Alumni Award: Hatsuo Ishida (GRS ‘77)
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association, recognizing a lifetime of achievement and impact. Hatsuo Ishida, a globally recognized scholar in polymer science and composite materials, has devoted 50 years of service to CWRU. A leader in molecular spectroscopy of polymer surfaces and in the molecular characterization of composite interfaces, he has published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles, authored a dozen books and earned 19 patents. His international work has elevated the university’s reputation abroad and through his long-standing partnership with Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, he helped establish one of Southeast Asia’s largest polymer and petrochemical graduate programs.

Professional Achievement Award: Halle Tecco (MGT ‘06)
Halle Tecco is an entrepreneur and angel investor focused on improving the healthcare system. A first-generation college graduate, she went on to earn an MPH from Johns Hopkins and an MBA from Harvard Business School. For the last decade, she has taught the first MBA-level course on digital health investing at Columbia Business School and has earned recognition through major speaking engagements and conference appearances while claiming honors such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and Goldman Sachs’ Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.

Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award: David Caban (CIT ‘89)
David Caban is the longtime host of Sunday Matinee on WRUW FM 91.1 and has remained connected to CWRU since arriving in Cleveland as a student in 1984. A radio broadcaster, technology trainer and animal rescue volunteer, he built a lasting relationship with the campus through WRUW, where he combines his love of radio and theater into a weekly show. Caban serves as an administrative program coordinator in IT at Cleveland Clinic.

Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award: Nancy J. Carlson (MGT ‘93)
Nancy Carlson has dedicated more than 15 years to CWRU and its alumni community. She revitalized the CWRU Phoenix Alumni Chapter, created the signature “Good Times @ Goodyear Park” event during Cleveland Guardians spring training, served two full terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and spent five years as board secretary, supporting four board presidents.

Young Alumni Award: Breeanna G. Bellinger (SAS ‘16)
Breeanna Bellinger has built a career spanning child protection services, crisis and psychiatric social work and legal expertise to advance positive outcomes and systemic change, while also supporting civic engagement through volunteer service and a nonprofit she founded, Living Beyond Time, which focuses on holistic health education and community wellness.