Rob Tod ’91 and Robynne Maii ’96 Named 2026 Alumni Achievement Award Winners

MIDDLEBURY, VT — We are thrilled to announce that Rob Tod ’91 and Robynne Maii ’96 are Middlebury College’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Award Winners. Chosen each year by the Middlebury Alumni Association (MAA), this recognition goes to one or two alumni in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in a professional field, their personal life, and/or public service.

Linked by their leadership in the culinary world, Rob and Robynne were chosen this year in large part due to innovative approaches to their work. Rob’s founding of Allagash Brewing Company in 1995 is often cited as a key launch point for the craft brewing revolution. Robynne’s blend of tradition and reimagining at her restaurants, Fête and Mille Fête, have championed Native Hawaiian cooking. 

In addition, both Rob and Robynne have previously received James Beard Foundation awards marking them as amongst the most impactful and influential culinary figures in the country. Rob received his in 2019 for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Producer, while Robynne’s came in 2022 as Best Chef for the Northwest and Pacific Region. 

As part of their award, Rob and Robynne will co-curate a tasting event at Middlebury Reunion this coming June. The event will bring their respective culinary approaches together for a bespoke afternoon. 

Below, you can read full bios for both winners. If you are interested in learning more about the Alumni Achievement Award, visit the Alumni Awards webpage.

Rob Tod ’91

Rob Tod founded Allagash Brewing Company in 1995 with the goal of giving people new experiences with craft beer. Rob continues to be an involved leader who takes pride in knowing and interacting with employees in every department at the brewery. Keeping Allagash a great place to work and a steward of the community is of utmost importance to him. Rob is the past Chair of the Brewers Association trade group and received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer in 2019. When he is not working, you might find him surfing, skiing, or working on his barn. Rob lives in Falmouth with his wife Betsy and two children.

Robynne Maii ’96

Born and raised in Honolulu, Robynne Maii is the chef and owner of the award-winning restaurants Fête and Mille Fête in Honolulu’s Chinatown. A proud alumna of Punahou and ‘Iolani School, Robynne studied modern dance and English at Middlebury College before earning culinary and pastry arts degrees at Kapi’olani Community College. She began her culinary career at 3660 on the Rise under Chef Russell Siu, then transitioned to pastry under Chef Pierre Padovani at Padovani’s Bistro and Wine Bar. After earning her master’s degree in food studies from NYU, she went on to work at Union Pacific and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, and contributed to culinary programs at The Art Institute of New York City and CUNY’s Kingsborough Community College. In 2022, Robynne was named the James Beard Award Foundation Best Chef for the Northwest and Pacific Region, becoming the first Native Hawaiian woman and the first Hawai’i-born recipient in 19 years to win the honor.

Is it your Reunion year? You can register now at this link and return to Middlebury in June to see Rob and Robynne in action.