Aloian Scholars

Two Harvard seniors are honored for improving House life.

Karl Kmiecik ’10, of Cabot House and Augusta, Georgia, and Kirsten E. M. Slungaard ’10 of Eliot House and Saint Paul, Minnesota, are this year’s David Aloian Memorial Scholars, and will be honored at the fall dinner of the Harvard Alumni Association in October. The scholarships, established in 1988 to honor the late David Aloian ’49, a former HAA executive director and master of Quincy House, and his wife, Mary “Mimi” Aloian, are awarded to two seniors who have made unique contributions to their Houses and to undergraduate life.

Kmiecik, a history and science concentrator, is “a friend to all” who organizes multiple formals, at least a dozen study breaks and stein clubs, and a lively Dutch Auction that raises money for student events. He was instrumental in Cabot’s three-year drive to win the Green Cup (for greatest reduction in energy consumption), and serves on the House tutor interview committee. Kmiecik is also president of the Harvard ROTC Association, a volunteer for the Peer Health Exchange, and a member of  his department’s student-faculty committee.  

Kirsten Slungaard, an English concentrator, has been a driving force behind numerous Eliot House initiatives. She spearheaded the renewal of its Grille, a popular late-night gathering spot; as its manager, she organizes study breaks and hires and trains employees, among other duties. A founding member of the Eliot Writing Circle, she is an aspiring professional writer, and a sound supporter of others’ creative endeavors. And as a member of the Eliot Boat Club, she rises early most mornings to contribute to Eliot’s dominance in intramural crew. 

Related topics

You might also like

A summer program helps students from under-resourced high schools close a hidden academic gap.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Phi Beta Kappa Speakers Call Out a ‘Deeply Troubling’ Moment

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow and poet Meghan O’Rourke urge graduates to focus on character and “radical attention.”

Most popular

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.

Mindfulness—the unconventional research of psychologist Ellen Langer

Psychologist Ellen Langer's unconventional research. Plus, read about applying mindfulness techniques to eating.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Explore More From Current Issue

A chaotic scene in a messy room with people engaging in various activities, some cleaning.

Until the 1950s, professionals cleaned up after students in the dorms.

Vibrant urban scene at dusk featuring a mural on a building and illuminated structures.

The Goel Center in Allston will open for performances in the fall of 2026.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.