The Roosevelt L. Thompson Prize is awarded to members of the senior class for commitment to and capacity for public service. The prizes were presented during Senior Class Day exercises on May 23 to two students: Julio Gonzalez of Calhoun College, and Suzanne Jovin of Davenport College, who was slain in December of 1998. The honors were presented by Stanton Wheeler, the Ford Foundation Professor of Law and Social Sciences, master of Morse College and chair of the Council of Masters' Committee on Awards. His remarks follow: Julio Gonzalez "Julio Gonzalez has made an extraordinary commitment to public service. Now in his second term as an elected public official -- New Haven alderman from the 1st Ward -- Julio has matured into a seasoned, skilled politician who has brought honor to himself and Yale through his legislative initiatives in the public interest. He has been tireless as well in his commitment to Dwight Hall. Julio has managed these activities while compiling an excellent academic record. He is a richly deserving recipient of the Roosevelt Thompson Prize." A Democrat whose ward encompasses much of the Yale campus, Gonzalez has led efforts to reform the city's charter, begun initiatives to improve services for youths and the homeless, and fought for environmental cleanup of state power plants, among other legislative initiatives. Active in community service outside politics as well, he cofounded the Fire Cadet High School Program, which trains high school youths to work at the local fire departments; held administrative posts in Dwight Hall, the on-campus organization serving students involved in community service; and coordinated community programs for youths as a member of MECha, a Chicano student organization. He majored in both political science and women's and gender studies. Suzanne Jovin "Suzanne's years at Yale were centered on her public service activities. It was always absolutely clear that her driving motivation was to help people. Her involvement with Dwight Hall and the Best Buddies program grew over the years, so that by the fall of her senior year she was director of the program. When faced with a demanding senior schedule, she remained intensely attached to her public service work. It was, she said, an immutable commitment. In death as in life, Suzanne Jovin left many lives forever changed. No student has done more to inspire others." Jovin, an American citizen who grew up in Goettingen, Germany, majored in political science and international studies. The award in her memory recognizes her work in the New Haven community as a member of the Yale chapter of Best Buddies, a national organization that links college students and people with mental retardation, and her service to youngsters as a volunteer in the student-run Tutoring in the Elementary Schools (TIES) program. Her college dean, Susan Wennemyr, received the posthumous award on behalf of the Jovin family. C O M M E N C E M E N T1 9 9 9 Introduction Baccalaureate Address Honorary Degrees Senior Class Day Teaching Prizes Scholastic Prizes Roosevelt L. Thompson Prize Athletic Awards David Everett Chantler Prize Other Undergraduate Honors Wilbur Cross Medals Graduate Student Awards T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Yale celebrates 298th Commencement Yale launching a more user-friendly home page on the World Wide Web Anthony T. Kronman reappointed as Dean of Law School Festival will bring world of art and ideas to city Endowed Professorships New Haven attorney Julie Carter joins Office of General Counsel To eat well, relax at the table, advises master chef Pépin Reunion programs will both educate and entertain returning alumni Some Yale graduates dancing down a different path Yale's new student-built solar car headed for Sunracye '99 New alumnae's nursing training included health work overseas Harold Samuel dies; brought musicians' archives to Yale Dining staff friendliness ranks high on survey Prostate Cancer Awareness Stamp to be unveiled at campus event Conference to explore the future of language Dr. William F. Collins is recognized for lifetime contributions to neurosurgery Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events| Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases|E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page

 Suzanne Jovin