Award Recognition
Community Building
Senior Marshal
Thomas "Pop" Harrington Medal
Yusuf Hafez is being recognized for his significant contributions to Columbia's Engineering, Athletic, Muslim, and Arab community. As a proud Egyptian-American, former president of Turath, and member of the Columbia men's soccer team, Yusuf has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. Over the past four years, he has balanced the demands of earning a B.S. in civil engineering with the responsibilities of being a scholar-athlete and a student club leader. Yusuf's efforts in growing Turath and fostering a welcoming environment for Arab students on campus have been particularly noteworthy. He has worked tirelessly to create a sense of home for students far from their own, organizing events and ensuring a supportive community. Yusuf's involvement in the Muslim community, from setting up iftars to serving food during Ramadan, has also been commendable. His warm smile and positive presence have made a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt at Columbia next year.
I would like to start by saying that all praise and thanks are to Allah, the most gracious and the most merciful. I am honored to receive this award and am grateful to my family, friends, and the Columbia men's soccer team for their unwavering support through a rather difficult year. It truly takes a village, and I dedicate this honor to our collective efforts and resilience. This one is for us!