Yale Bulletin and Calendar

May 5, 2000

Volume 28, Number 31

Twelve individuals honored for
improving town-gown connections

Twelve individuals and a special team have been honored with Elm-Ivy Awards in recognition of their efforts to strengthen ties between Yale and its home city.

President Richard C. Levin and New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. presented the awards at the 21st annual Elm-Ivy Awards luncheon, held in the Presidents Room of Woolsey Hall on May 1.

The Elm-Ivy Awards were established at Yale in 1979 by Fenmore Seton, Yale College Class of 1938, and his wife, Phyllis. The awards evolved from the Elm and Ivy Fund, also created by the Setons, at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. The fund identifies and honors individuals from New Haven and Yale whose work enhances understanding and cooperation between the University and city. Over 219 people have received Elm-Ivy Awards since the program's inception.

The names of this year's recipients, and brief descriptions of some of their contributions, follow.

Elm Awards

Grace A. Feldman is a music teacher at the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) who has taught scores of children of Yale staff members over the past decades. She
created the Ensemble Program at the NMS, where she has earned a reputation for demanding the best from her students in a patient and kind manner.

Daniel D. Newell has provided volunteer service to improve the quality of life in the Hill neighborhood, home of Yale's Medical Center, and to help build and fortify a strong foundation for partnership between Yale and the six Empowerment Zone neighborhoods. He served as volunteer co-chair of the city's nationally recognized Enterprise Community Council that resulted in a new understanding among neighborhood residents of the potential for partnerships with Yale, the city and other organizations.

R. Evelyn Schatz has helped make the Chapel West Special Services District a key area where town and gown meet. She has reached out to the Yale community and administration to solicit advice and support on behalf of the neighborhood. Her efforts have resulted in improved lighting in the district, colorful banners decorating the streets and the renovation of the former Jewish Community Center into the new Yale School of Art.

Richard J. Grossi has been head of the Science Park Development Corporation (SPDC) on a volunteer basis since his retirement two years ago as chair of the United Illuminating Company. The SPDC has worked to make Science Park an important community asset, turning abandoned parts of the old Winchester plant into productive, tax-paying real estate. The park is also an incubator for further development of bioscience companies spun off from research at Yale laboratories, and has helped create jobs in New Haven.

Ivy Awards

Timothy J. Ford, assistant director for community outreach and alumni affairs, has coordinated community programs and outreach for the Department of Athletics, including the National College Athletic Association-sponsored National Youth Sports Program. This summer program brings city youngsters to Yale for a five-week curriculum of sports and education.

E. Jonathan Soderstrom, director of cooperative research, has worked to create a climate for economic growth in the community. He has worked toward that end as a lead volunteer with city and state commissions and civic groups, including the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Kemel W. Dawkins, associate vice president of facilities, has fostered cooperation on University and city issues through active work with the New Haven Preservation Trust.

Susan L. Voigt, business manager of the Peabody Museum of Natural History, has helped build relations between the museum and the community and has encouraged city residents to take part in the Peabody's expanded events and programs.

Leslie S. Robinson, professor at the School of Nursing, works with the New Haven Board of Education's District Community Committee. She is a mentor for parents of children who are newly identified as needing evaluation for and entry into special education programs.

Ivy Undergraduate Awards

Anika Singh is an active officer of the Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project. She also has worked in housing agencies in New Haven neighborhoods and served as a Dwight Hall Urban Fellow and a President's Public Service Summer Fellow.

Christopher S. Edwards is a member of the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Build Project and has helped raise money for the volunteer-based organization through his work on the Yale-New Haven Bike and Walk Challenge. With other Yale students, he started the Habitat Midnight Mile Run, another Habitat fundraiser.

Ivy Graduate/Professional Awards

A special team award was presented to members of the Urban Resources Initiative, a partnership between Yale and New Haven that draws on the resources of the city, the University and New Haven residents to address urban blight. The organization has grown to include both research and applied projects in restoration, and has helped create a spirit of volunteerism in city neighborhoods.

Dacia M. S. Toll helped establish the Amistad Academy charter school in the city and continues to take part in its progress. She is also a former executive director of New Haven Cares, a voucher program that gives residents the opportunity to help needy city residents obtain food and other basic necessities.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Conservationist's gift establishes environmental studies professorship

More attention to the environment is needed, EPA administrator says

Graduate students honor their mentors with a new award

Twelve individuals honored for improving town-gown connections

Mammograms lower rate of breast cancer recurrence, study finds

Talk marks opening of center for children exposed to violence

Scholar decries abuse of women to create pornography

Baseball commissioner talks about players' responsibility

Event examines life, work of controversial Yiddish writer

Student drama centers on play once charged with being obscene

Exhibit to explore how artists depicted Africa in 20th century

Satellite images aid study of environmental threats in Africa

Celebration of Russian literature on view at Beinecke

Architecture project benefits 'fragile' city neighborhood

Yale student groups honored for service to community

Yale Physicians Building to be city's newest art exhibit space

Graduate student scientists sharing their research at two-day symposium

Agrarian Studies marks 10th year with conference

In thanks,Yale physician receives Yankees baseball

English Department alumni will consider 'Prospects for the New Century'

Memorial service to celebrate life of John Blassingame

Divinity School Search Committee Correction

Campus Notes

Yale Scoreboard

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