2011 Bart Lawson Award Recipients

Award for Humanitarianism
M.S. in Tourism Management (2006)

Lauren Beam was an outstanding leader of young women and an accomplished alumna who made a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of students during her tenure as head coach of New York University's women's swimming and diving team. She displayed talent, strength, persistence, and perseverance, and demonstrated the ability to stand tall and to succeed in the face of adversity. She made others around her grow and flourish and taught them to understand what it takes to become a winner.

To honor her determination, dedication, and service, New York University established the "Lauren Beam Inspirational Award" in June 2010. Lauren was the first recipient of this award. Lauren was a true fighter and she touched and inspired many people with both her strength and her enthusiasm for life, as well as her compassion and true kindness. She always put others before herself and her unrelenting drive to help those around her to be the best they could be remained strong, especially with her swimmers. Her example inspired others to be more humble and more giving. As an avid and accomplished athlete herself, Lauren often served as a role model, motivating and teaching others to participate in community events. Lauren was involved with the Relay for Life and a few months before she passed, she gave a motivational speech to Athletes of the American Cancer Society who were competing in a half marathon. She will be greatly missed.

The Award was presented posthumously. Lauren passed away on September 10, 2011 after battling colon cancer for over two years.

Award for Professional Service and Outreach
M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication (2009)

Carlos Manzano was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg as executive director of the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission (LMEC) in May 2007. In this capacity, he has developed strategies and plans that encompass economic development, large-scale events, marketing, public relations, and policy to transform New York City into the capital of Latin media and entertainment. Mr. Manzano works closely with City Hall and government officials, the media, business associations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and many other city-based and national organizations. His efforts led to the identification of 22 major Latin events with a combined economic impact greater than $90 million for the City. He created, in partnership with NYRemezcla, the first Latin media guide; he launched, with LatinVision, an international Latin conference that attracts over 300 participants; and he developed the concept for the annual Latin Media and Entertainment Week (LMEW), which in 2010 included 22 events, boasted over 90,000 participants, and had an economic impact of $3,000,000.

He has been active on the Westside of Manhattan for over 20 years, serving in various community-based organizations such as Community Board 4, the Clinton Seed Fund, the Student Outreach Program, and Encore Senior Citizens Services. He has been a member of the Midtown West Business Association and is a strong supporter of the small businesses that helped revitalize the community in the Hell's Kitchen (Clinton) neighborhood. His contributions have been recognized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Queens Borough President’s Office, Verizon Hispanic Group, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, the Puerto Rican Family Foundation, Colombia Exterior, and the Metropolitan Police Officers Association from Washington, D.C.

Award for Public Service
M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology (2008)

An emergency preparedness specialist at the New York City Office of Emergency Management and chair of the Graphic Communications Management and Technology Alumni Committee, Michael's service to New York City and the New York University family began years ago.

Michael was first recognized for his work in disaster preparedness and response as a volunteer and then staff member of the American Red Cross in Greater New York as well as being the founder and president of the Graphic Communications Management Association. He has been awarded both the NYU President's Service Award and the Graphic Communications Management and Technology Leadership Award. Whether hosting disaster preparedness training at NYU during his time with the American Red Cross, planning events for the students and alumni of the Graphic Communications program, or working long hours during Hurricane Irene and other emergencies, Mike has shown dedication to the community he cares for time and again.