Melanie Garden Wins the Fourth Annual Elaine and Irving Kabiller Dedication Award

EVANSTON, Ill. – Melanie Garden, mother of Northwestern softball student-athlete Avery Garden, has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Elaine and Irving Kabiller Dedication Award. The honor was announced by head softball coach Kate Drohan at the N-Club Induction Ceremony on Friday, June 12.

Established through the vision and generosity of University Trustee David G. Kabiller, the award honors a parent(s) or caregiver(s) who embodies the values exemplified by his parents, Elaine and Irving Kabiller. Each year, Northwestern student-athletes are invited to nominate a parent(s) or caregiver(s) who exemplifies strength, courage, and grace; loyalty and devotion; intelligence and sound judgment; humor and authenticity; and, above all, kindness, compassion, and tenacity.

Melanie was nominated by her daughter, Avery, who highlighted the profound impact her mother has had on her life as a student-athlete, both on and off the field, as well as on their family and the broader community.

In her nomination, Avery wrote, "My mom is the definition of strength, courage, grace, loyalty, and compassion. She has shaped not only who I am as an athlete, but who I am as a person. There is no one more deserving of this recognition."

Upon receiving the award, Melanie reflected on the honor and what it meant to be recognized by her daughter.

"I truly appreciate being recognized with the Elaine and Irving Kabiller Parent Dedication Award," said Melanie. "I hope I embody the pillars of this award: strength, courage, and grace; loyalty and devotion; intelligence and judgment; humor and authenticity; kindness, compassion, and tenacity.

"It meant so much that Avery took the time to share her thoughts about me. Receiving this award helped me recognize the impact I've had on her, and I am grateful for everything Northwestern University has given both of us."

"The Garden family is remarkable, and this recognition is about the love, loyalty, strength, and grace they share as a family and with our softball community," said Drohan. "We have so much admiration for Melanie, and our entire athletic department stands alongside her and the Garden family during this courageous battle."

Each year, Northwestern's nearly 500 student-athletes are invited to submit nominations for a parent or caregiver who exemplifies the values that defined Elaine and Irving Kabiller. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee, and the recipient is honored at the N-Club Induction Ceremony held at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

In addition to the recognition, proceeds from the award endowment are directed to the sport program of the honoree's student-athlete and may be used at the discretion of the head coach.

"I wanted to create this award in memory of my parents and to honor their endless love and guidance," said Kabiller. "I hope this award serves as a reminder to our student-athletes to appreciate the love and sacrifices that parents and caregivers make to help them achieve their goals."

The Elaine and Irving Kabiller Dedication Award continues to celebrate the families and caregivers whose unwavering support plays an essential role in the success of Northwestern student-athletes, both on and off the field.