Parikshit Roychowdhury ’26 Named Recipient of the Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61 International Student Leadership Award

Parikshit Roychowdhury ’26 as the recipient of this year’s Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61 International Student Leadership Award, honoring his exceptional commitment to leadership, service, and academic excellence.

The award, named in honor of Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61, celebrates international students who embody her extraordinary legacy of leadership and service. In addition to a financial prize, Parikshit’s name will be added to the plaque displayed in the HSSC Global Living Room.

Parikshit, a double major in Anthropology and Economics from India, was recognized by multiple nominations as a “true and clear campus leader.” His impact reaches across campus through student government, peer mentorship, research, and program development — all while maintaining an impressive academic record.

Parikshit’s influence can be seen across several initiatives and programs on campus. He has served as: 

• A cabinet member of the International Student Organization (ISO) 

• An IPOP Mentor, welcoming and guiding new international students 

• DEI Chair for the Student Government Association (SGA), where he strengthened support structures like the Cultural Closet and helped bridge SGA with the Multicultural Leadership Council 

• A coordinator and team lead at the Wilson Center, representing student interests to faculty and administration 

• A research assistant for the Build a Better Grinnell initiative 

One nominator noted, “Without such hardworking students who are willing to do the less glamorous but essential legwork, student life would be less animated and vibrant.”

Parikshit also shines in his academic pursuits, demonstrating a deep passion for international development and climate justice. His scholarly contributions include: 

• Field research in India on the displacement of communities affected by coal mine expansion 

• MAP projects exploring the impact of climate change on food security in Central Africa 

• A senior thesis focused on the environmental and human consequences of climate change in the Marshall Islands 

Grinnell also recognizes the outstanding achievements of five other exceptional international students who were nominated for the award: 

• Jana Vadillo Godoy, Physics & Computer Science (Guatemala) 

• Tannishtha “Tan” Mukherjee, Economics (India & UK) 

• Duc Nguyen, Economics (Vietnam) 

• Mahiro Noda, Biological Chemistry (Japan) 

• Zhengzi Li, Biological Chemistry (China) 

Karen Edwards, Dean for International Student Affairs, shared, "We are so grateful to the Maly family for their recognition of international student leadership at Grinnell. Nancy's legacy is in excellent hands, with students of this caliber in our midst."