Henry Karpovas Lisak Receives 2026 Donald R. Zander Alumni Award for Outstanding Student Leadership

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is proud to announce that undergraduate student Henry Karpovas Lisak has been awarded the 2026 Donald R. Zander Alumni Award for Outstanding Student Leadership. The award recognizes students who have exceptional academic achievement, personal character, outstanding leadership, and service to the University of Minnesota. It is presented annually as a $3,000 scholarship from the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

Lisak is the founder and vice president of the student chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), focused on sustainable thermal systems and strengthening connections between students and industry professionals. He also serves on the CSE Alumni Society Board as student representative, supporting mentorship, outreach, networking, and alumni engagement initiatives. He previously served as a Welcome Week leader, helping incoming students transition to college life.