Aaryan Lodaya ’27 Receives Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61 International Student Leadership Award
Grinnell College student Aaryan Lodaya ’27 has been named the 2026 recipient of the Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61 International Student Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to building community across campus.
Lodaya, from India, is pursuing majors in Economics and History and has distinguished himself as both a scholar and campus leader. The award, named in honor of Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61, celebrates students who embody her extraordinary legacy of leadership and service.
Faculty and staff who submitted nominations described Lodaya as intellectually curious, deeply engaged, and committed to cultural diplomacy and relationship-building across campus. One nominator shared that “Aaryan really LIVES cultural diplomacy,” noting his ability to connect meaningfully with students, faculty, staff, and alumni alike.
Another nominator wrote, “Aaryan embodies the spirit of the liberal arts through his curiosity, compassion, and commitment to community. He has embraced every opportunity at Grinnell — academically, professionally, and personally — while helping others feel connected and valued along the way.”
Since arriving at Grinnell, Lodaya has immersed himself in campus life through academic exploration, student leadership, and community engagement. Originally intending to study astrophysics, he discovered new passions through the liberal arts and is now pursuing a double major in Economics and History.
Outside the classroom, Lodaya has served in numerous leadership and campus roles, including with the International Student Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP), Reunion, Development and Alumni Relations, SHAW, DASIL, and the Wilson Center Catalyst program. He currently serves as president of the International Student Organization (ISO) after previously joining the organization as publicity coordinator.
Faculty and staff nominations also praised Lodaya’s ability to bring people together through meaningful connection and care for others. “Whether he is welcoming new students, engaging alumni, or organizing cultural events, he approaches every interaction with kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine curiosity about others,” one nominator wrote.
Through his involvement with both the OISA and ISO, Lodaya has helped organize multiple Food Bazaars and Cultural Evenings, programs that celebrate the diversity and experiences of Grinnell’s international community. He credits those experiences with helping him find belonging on campus.
“I arrived at Grinnell with a very specific vision for my future,” Lodaya shared in his application materials. “What I found instead was a community that encouraged me to grow, change, and discover new passions. Grinnell showed me that belonging is something we build together.”
The award also recognizes Lodaya’s academic achievements and interdisciplinary approach to learning. Nominators praised his passion for intellectual engagement, strong writing and communication skills, and ability to connect ideas across disciplines.
Grinnell also recognizes the outstanding achievements of eight other students who crossed international borders to attend Grinnell and were nominated for the award:
Sophia Braga Ramalli
Meilin Hoshino
Samora Lumonya
Farhan Rahman
Bruna Sander Foss
Anshul Satav
Aya Yamaguchi
Hazel Zhou