The David Everett Chantler Award is given to graduating seniors who best exemplify the qualities of courage, strength of character and high moral purpose. Dr. Bernard Lytton, chair of the Council of Masters Committee on Awards and master of Jonathan Edwards College, presented the Chantler Prize to two students during Senior Class Day exercises on May 26: Lisa Hovsepian of Pierson College, who Dr. Lytton described as "a woman who has shown courage and great strength of character," and to Anders Martinson of Jonathan Edwards College, who Dr. Lytton said was "an exceptionally talented musician and courageous young man."
The award citations follow:
During your first two years at Yale, you played varsity basketball, and as a sophomore, you were selected for the most improved player award.
A serious illness and a prolonged hospitalization interrupted your Yale career. The strength of character and physical courage you exhibited in dealing with these devastating disabilities were exemplary.
You have participated in the life of Pierson College and have been a keen competitor in intramural sports. You have also found time to visit and comfort burn victims at the hospital. For your senior project in graphic design, you produced an artistic representation of the multi-faceted layers of healing.
For your tenacity and fortitude in the face of adversity and your concern for others, the Council of Masters has great pleasure in presenting you with the David Everett Chantler Award.
Before you came to Yale, you were already a highly acclaimed virtuoso pianist, having won 17 national and international competitions. In freshman year, you were unfortunate to develop a rare neurological condition that severely limited your ability to perform on the piano. You dealt with this devastating problem with great courage and fortitude, and have redirected your rare music talents to conducting. For the past two years, you conducted the Berkeley Chamber Orchestra with great sensitivity, verve and enthusiasm. The orchestra has flourished under your direction and has played to enthusiastic capacity audiences in Battell Chapel.
Your resourcefulness, resilience and musical magic have been an inspiration to everyone at Yale with whom you have come in contact. The Council of Masters is proud to present you with the David Everett Chantler Award.