The John McMordie Spirit Award is given annually to a graduating Product Realization Lab Course Assistant who carries on the memory of John McMordie, a CA in 2015–2016. John embodied PRL culture, celebrating every student. Sadly, John passed away before his second year as a CA in 2016 following an accident during a race he was running in his home state of Pennsylvania.
This year’s John McMordie Spirit Award goes to a Course Assistant who embodies warmth, empathy, personal growth, and mentorship in the PRL. Henry Ojeaburu brings a steadfast commitment to teaching, making, and community. Always ready with a smile, he makes sure everyone feels welcome and valued. During his two years as a PRL CA, Henry has helped students discover their passion for engineering and design, and find their voice as makers. His focus on not only what we learn, but why, has strengthened PRL curriculum and will have a lasting impact on the lab’s future. As a woodshop specialist, he has taken initiative to explore and preserve institutional knowledge in design and craft. Henry, you represent the best of what the PRL is and what it can become. We are deeply grateful for everything you have shared with us. Congratulations, Henry. We are honored to present you with the 2025–2026 John McMordie Spirit Award!
