Award Recognition
Community Building
Chase O’Malley SEAS’26 studied chemical engineering, with a degree specialization in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals and a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. He is recognized for his contributions to Columbia Sailing, a competitive club sport competing in the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association. As a former VP and two-term president of the club, O’Malley worked to rebuild the club from 15 members into a competitive team with more than 100 active sailors. Through his efforts, the club raised more than $50,000 through extensive fundraising and alumni outreach, competed in numerous championship regattas against varsity-level D1 programs across the country, and saw a successful transition of the team’s home base to Larchmont Yacht Club, securing long term stability for the club. Additionally, O’Malley worked to keep the sport accessible, teaching more than 50 new students through the Learn to Sail Program.
“I am incredibly thankful to my friends and family for their constant support over the last four years as I did my best to balance sailing, school, and life. I am also incredibly grateful for my co-captain and partner-in-crime, Alex Vincenti CC’26, without whom Columbia Sailing would not have seen the success it has over the last four years, and all of the board members who gave countless hours to the club.”