Rajyalakshmi Seshadri

Mary Lyon Award

January 27, 1999

Raj Seshadri, Class of 1987. We honor you for your remarkable achievements in the field of physics, as well as your talents as a management consultant working with financial institutions and using technology as a delivery channel.

Majoring in mathematics and physics, you graduated summa cum laude and continued your science education at Harvard University, earning a master's degree in 1989 and then a doctoral degree in 1982. During this period, you focused on experimental condensed matter and statistical physics, work that brought you the American Women in Science Foundation's Luise Meyer-Schmutzmeister Award, recognizing you as one of the outstanding graduate women in physics at an American university.

In 1993, after doing post-doctoral research on colloids at AT&T Bell Labs and giving considerable thought to what you wished to accomplish, you redirected your interests to a technical career in business and entered Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Shortly after earning your MBA in 1995, you joined McKinsey and Company, one of the most prestigious management- consulting firms in the world. You have risen from an associate position to become an engagement manager, a position that requires a well-balanced combination of skills in leadership, problem-solving, communications and interpersonal relationships. In addition, you have demonstrated a deep interest in staff development at McKinsey, leading an associate advisory group and actively participating in women's groups and recruiting efforts.

Your colleagues in both science and business have commended you for your leadership skills, your ability to interact with people, and a high level of personal motivations, qualities that enrich and influence those surrounding you. In recognition of your achievements in and contributions to your chosen fields which you approach with "grit and determination," according to at least one colleague, the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College is proud to present to you the Mary Lyon Award.

See full article in the College Street Journal