Yale Bulletin and Calendar

May 11, 2007|Volume 35, Number 28|Two-Week Issue

During her time in Uganda, Rebekah Emanuel (right) worked at an AIDS hospice.

Yale senior Rebekah Emanuel wins
Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose

Yale senior Rebekah Emanuel was recently awarded the top William Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose for work she has been doing in Uganda with families of AIDS patients.

An ethics, politics and economics major, Emanuel takes an economical approach to doing good. Before her senior year, she traveled to Uganda with her middle sister to gather data for her senior project on the impact of the AIDS crisis on the lives of caregivers. As she acquired information for her thesis, she also had the opportunity to affect the life-course of people she was observing.

Working in an AIDS hospice in Kampala, Uganda's capital, she learned that the disease was taking a long-lasting toll on family members, most commonly women, charged with caring for the AIDS-afflicted.

At the time in their lives that they should be in school or working, these caregivers are consumed by tending to the sick, Emanuel observed. Often forced to quit their education or employment, they sink into poverty.

Emanuel had the idea to put the caregivers' experience to good use. Rather than "lose" time and opportunity taking care of a sick relative, the caregiver could use the invaluable skills gained at the sickbed and further on-the-job training for future employment in the health sector.

While developing this idea, she had another: to start a Bulldogs internship program for Yale students in Uganda. For the first time this summer, thanks to Emanuel's efforts, Yale undergraduates will have the chance to work with children in Kampala, to hone their reporting skills, and to learn and record traditional Ugandan drumming and dancing, among other options.

The William E. Simon Fellowship of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute awards a grant of $40,000 to a college senior who has "demonstrated passion, dedication, a high capacity for self-direction and originality in pursuit of a goal that will strengthen civil society." Two other grants of $5,000 are also awarded.

Emanuel will use her followship to set up daycare centers in Uganda that will serve the ill while helping to support their caregivers.

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

Co-evolution of genitalia in waterfowl reveals 'war between the sexes'

Study of Galápagos tortoises' DNA may locate mate for 'Lonesome George'

Eighteen new Yale World Fellows named

Health clinic staff among the winners of Elm-Ivy Awards

Bringing a philosophical perspective to palliative care

University breaks ground for its 'most green building'

Child Study Center recognized for leadership in autism research

Yale senior Rebekah Emanuel wins Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose

Using molecular 'nanosyringe,' researchers demonstrate . . .

Irish writer's play about Siamese twins wins Yale Drama Series award

When it comes to grades, giving is no easier than receiving, says panel

Talents of drama students showcased in Carlotta Festival

Biophysicist Steitz honored for ribosome research with Gairdner Award

CCL renovations on schedule; lawn to be used for Commencement

Project aims to improve financial services for those living in poverty

Pastoral leadership skills are focus of Center for Faith and Culture event

MacMillan Center honors the work of three Yale faculty members

Yale has highest number of sports teams honored . . .

WORKSPACE ENHANCEMENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Adding some sunshine to a windowless office

Creating a tranquil space for nursing mothers

Decking the hallways with quilted artworks