Schwartz Honored With 2019 Tomato Can Loving Cup Award

As a champion of inclusion and mental health awareness, Madison “Maddie” Schwartz was named the 2019 winner of the Tomato Can Loving Cup award, the most prestigious award the Carlson School can bestow on an undergraduate student. She received the award at the commencement ceremony on Monday.

Schwartz, who graduated with a marketing major and a leadership minor, worked tirelessly to improve the student experience at the Carlson School. In her first year, she served on the Minnesota Student Association, and participated in the Carlson School’s “How Are You?” campaign. She began speaking in classrooms and addressing student groups about practicing healthy habits and reducing the stigma of seeking help for mental health.

“Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Maddie know that her humble demeanor, sincere interest in getting to know people as individuals, and passion for positive change will take her far in life,” said Raj Singh, associate dean of the undergraduate program, before presenting the award to Schwartz.

Schwartz advocated for inclusion and mental health throughout her four years at the University by working on Business Board and the annual “One in Three” mental health awareness event.

In her time at the Carlson School, she served as a Carlson Ambassador, Carlson Consulting Enterprise associate, LeaderShape student program coordinator, Leadership Minor intern, and First-Year Leadership Institute mentor. She also completed the Tom Burnett Leadership Program.

By winning the award, she is eligible for a half-tuition scholarship to the Carlson School Full-Time MBA program following two years of professional work experience.

Schwartz was the 91st recipient of the award, which per the engraving on its side, is “presented annually to that person who in the course of the year has rendered the most distinctive service to the school.”

The award is the oldest award given to students by the Carlson School of Management. Its history dates back to 1929 when students asked Dean Russell Stevenson to present an outstanding service award to a senior. Henry Hilton, ’29 BSB, volunteered to make the trophy that would be presented to the winner.

For a joke, he fashioned a trophy from a tomato soup can nailed to a wooden candlestick that belonged to his mother. To Hilton’s surprise, Stevenson presented him with his creation, which became known as the Tomato Can Loving Cup Award. The tradition continues today, as the increasingly rickety soup can is given each year to a deserving undergraduate student.