Zelon Eveen Crawford, assistant dean and dean of students for the MBA program at Columbia Business School, has been awarded the 2016–17 Robert W. Lear Service Award. Student Government gives the Lear award each year to a member of the faculty or administration who most clearly demonstrates commitment to and interest in working with students. The award was originally established by the Graduate Business Association (now Student Government) to honor executive in residence Robert W. Lear, former chairman and CEO of F&M Schaefer Corporation. “I don’t do this work for money or recognition; I do it because I’m passionate about positively impacting our students,” Crawford said. “This award means so much to me because I was nominated by the student body. I know they appreciate my commitment to transparency, partnership, and inclusion. For them to acknowledge the contribution that I, and the OSA team, have made to the community and the student experience means more to me than I can fully articulate.” Dean Glenn Hubbard said that Crawford has helped draw the campus community closer since joining the School in January 2015, and she is renowned for her commitment to partnering with the student body. “It is no surprise that students nominated Zelon,” said Hubbard. “She has collaborated with students in the creation of new programming, including Our Community Matters and the State of the School. She has also been a champion for ensuring that School-wide events are accessible and affordable. Dean Crawford has had a truly positive impact on the student experience.” An alumna of Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, Crawford held leadership roles at Villanova, NYU, and in the corporate sector before joining the Business School. Students, administrators, and faculty members honored Crawford at a ceremony on April 27 in Uris Hall’s Hepburn Lounge.