Graduate Award

Jacob Feinberg ’20

Jacob Feinberg, a biology major from Center Barnstead, N.H., has been actively involved at the college since his first semester. His involvement made such a positive difference for him that he wanted to find ways to help other students have the same kind of experience.

Jacob joined the Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board in the fall of his first year. He became the secretary of SGA as a sophomore and the secretary of CAB the following year. He was an orientation leader and a member of community council during his sophomore year and a resident assistant during his junior and senior years.

In all of his leadership roles, Jacob focused on accountability — helping his peers hold themselves to high standards and take responsibility for their actions. He worked hard to help students understand not just what the college’s expectations were, but also why those expectations were important. He learned that, as a leader, he had to be able to understand other students’ experiences and adapt his style to meet their needs.

When Jacob thinks about his legacy at Colby-Sawyer, he hopes that he’s helped fellow student leaders approach their work with energy, levelheadedness and a willingness to listen and help. He also hopes that, like him, other students will reflect on their positive experiences at Colby-Sawyer and feel called to give back. In addition to his involvement outside the classroom, Jacob was an engaged learner who developed a passion for microbiology and a love of research. After graduation, he plans to seek work in a research lab.