Alumni Awards: Scott Harris '70 & Rebecca Kousky van Bergen '00

Each year, the JBS Alumni Association opens Alumni Weekend with the Alumni Awards Assembly, a tradition that honors graduates whose lives and work embody the mission of Burroughs. This year, we proudly recognized Scott Harris ’70 and Rebecca Kousky van Bergen ’00 for their extraordinary leadership and service, with introductions by Alumni Board president Joey Mathes ’05.

Honoring Service: Scott Harris ’70

The Distinguished Service Award, established in 1993, recognizes graduates who give their time and energy selflessly to Burroughs. This year’s recipient, Scott Harris ’70, has been a dedicated leader, volunteer, and connector in the Burroughs community for more than five decades.

From his early days as class president, Bomber athlete, and student council leader, to becoming the youngest trustee in school history at age 27, Scott’s spirit of engagement has never wavered. Most recently, he helped establish the Centenarian Society, connecting Burroughs with alumni over 100 years old. Beyond his service to Burroughs, Scott gives generously of his time as a tutor, community volunteer, and lifelong learner. His warmth and dedication continue to enrich the lives of classmates, current students, and the broader community.

Reflecting on his own experiences and words of wisdom he’s gathered from fellow alums, Scott encouraged students to stay connected for life.

“Embrace the friendships you’re building now, and keep the light on for those friendships after you graduate,” he said. “You’ll be richer for it.”

Honoring Impact: Rebecca Kousky van Bergen ’00

The Outstanding Alum Award, established in 1970, honors graduates who exemplify Burroughs’ commitment to excellence in their fields. This year’s recipient, Rebecca Kousky van Bergen ’00, is founder and executive director of Nest, a global nonprofit that has empowered more than 250,000 women artisans in 125 countries and 47 U.S. states.

Rebecca launched Nest in 2006 at age 24, inspired by her grandmother’s quilting, the rise of Etsy, and the growing microfinancing movement. Today, Nest partners with retailers from Target to Hermès, helping artisans transform craft traditions into sustainable businesses. The organization uplifts women, preserves heritage, and builds a more equitable global economy. 

“Inspired by these movements of entrepreneurship and the handmade, I wanted to create an organization that invested in women entrepreneurs and artists — those taking ancestral crafts or innate creative talent and building enterprises in places where employment was needed most. And Nest was born,” Rebecca said. “Like nests of twigs and moss that nurture baby birds, our Nest incubates fledgling businesses, providing them with business support, financing, and connection to global markets.”

Reflecting on her time at Burroughs, she credited the school’s emphasis on integrity, character, and service for shaping her path.

“Burroughs was and is a very special place,” she said. “It's through its commitment to creating whole people — academically, athletically, and artistically — that I found the drive and courage and inspiration to build Nest. It is my hope that you will cherish and invest in your years here because that time here will turn you into a global citizen capable of profound and significant impact.”

We are deeply grateful to Scott and Rebecca for their leadership, service, and example — and we are proud to call them Bombers for life.