Matthew Cyntje CC’27 is a sophomore from the Bronx, studying economics and computer science. He is being recognized with the Emerging Leadership and Excellence Award for his commitment to the John Jay community as a resident adviser, where he supports and uplifts first-year students through their transition to Columbia. Cyntje also works closely with the Columbia Alumni Association to strengthen the connection between alumni and undergraduates through engaging programming. He is also heavily involved in the Columbia Business School community, where he works with the startup See.Me, that gives smaller artists a platform to showcase their talent and sell their work. Cyntje is known for his eagerness to make others laugh and his love for poking his head behind every door in search of interesting experiences. My thanks has to go out to every person that I have shared a laugh with, as those small moments — more than anything —have given me the support to keep succeeding!