Recognizing Excellence in Application of the iCons Approach in the Workforce

The Mahoney Alumni Award for the iCons Program is given annually to one alumna or alumnus of the Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program who (i) has applied the attitudes, knowledge, and skills developed in the program to their real-world work, and (ii) has remained engaged with and supported the iCons community since graduation.

iCons alumni are eligible to receive a $10,000 award which will be presented at the annual iCons Senior Celebration.

Mahoney Alumni Award Recipients

2023 Recipient

Picture of Sean McGrath 2016

Sean McGrath

'16 Physics
Industry: Technology
Sean leveraged the skills he acquired in iCons to propel his career in technology, particularly in start-ups. He attributes his success to the entrepreneurial mindset instilled in him during his iCons 3 course, as well as the invaluable lessons in creativity, communication, and collaboration throughout his entire iCons journey. Presently, as the CTO and co-founder of a thriving company, he spearheads a team of four engineers.

2022 Recipient

Picture of Jacob Lytle '16

Jacob Lytle

’16 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry
Industry: STEM Education
Jacob's involvement with the iCons Alumni Network (iCAN) lead him to his career in teaching. Volunteering for iCAN he visited iCons classes and worked with students on their case studies. As a high school science teacher, Jacob uses the iCons pedagogy to teach is students to use their individual knowledge and passions to work on real-world problems. 

2021 Recipient

Photo of Erica Light

Erica Light

’16 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Industry: STEM Education
Erica lives and works the "iCons Way." She thinks – hard, consciously, intentionally – about the experiences she had in iCons and how that training gave her the skills to succeed in a research laboratory, and in a teaching laboratory. And she is absolutely brilliant at creating an environment in which her own students can experience similar growth.

Eligibility and Application Process

UMass Mahoney Alumni Award for the iCons Program

  • Applicants must be a graduate of the Integrated Concentration of STEM (iCons) Program at UMass Amherst, having completed their undergraduate degree at least two years prior to applying for the Mahoney Award.
  • Graduates may apply on their own behalf or nominate a fellow iCons graduate, who will be invited to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit the following in an application package by Thursday, March 21, 2024, using the online Mahoney Alumni Award for iCons Program Application.

  • Essay: 500-word essay describing (1) how the iCons experience and education have enhanced their careers, and (2) how they have remained engaged with the iCons community since graduating.
  • Letter of Support: Applicant must also submit a letter of support from a supervisor.

    To Nominate a Peer

    Send notice of nomination to iCons at icons@cns.umass.edu. Nominated individuals will be contacted and invited to submit an application.

    Selection

    Reviewers will identify a graduate of the program who demonstrates exemplary use of the iCons approach in their workplace or graduate studies and has remained engaged in the iCons community.

    Applications will be reviewed by a small committee comprised of iCons instructors or friends of iCons and one student representative from each enrolled iCons cohort.

    Notification

    The selected prize winner will be notified in early spring, followed by a public announcement. The awardee is expected to make brief remarks on the value that iCons has provided to their career at the annual senior awards celebration.

    Questions?

    Contact iCons at 413-545-3674 or email iCons at icons@cns.umass.edu with questions about this application and process.

    Robert '70, Richard '55 and William '55 Mahoney portrayed in the Integrated Sciences BuildingThe Mahoney brothers all received their degrees in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They went on to become leaders in their own industries and have served as high-level alumni advisers to the campus. The Mahoney brothers encourage the university to think differently about the way it serves its students and promotes the UMass Amherst education. Their commitment to student success is seen in their extraordinary efforts to personally mentor students and train other alumni to do the same, while their family legacy of giving and involvement is seen far and wide throughout the campus. The Mahoney Alumni Award for the iCons Program, like all that this family does for its alma mater, seeks to inspire and recognize greatness.