Deadline: Friday, January 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Yale University and the City of New Haven enjoy a strong relationship with success evident in economic development, neighborhood homeownership, academic partnerships with public schools, and a vibrant downtown. Initiatives including the Yale Community for New Haven Fund, which distributed funds to New Haven nonprofits in response to the pandemic; Yale and New Haven’s announcement of the university’s significant voluntary payment increase, along with the creation of the Center for Inclusive Growth which will develop strategies to grow the city economically to benefit all New Haven residents; and the creation of the Pennington Fellowship to support New Haven student tuition at HBCUs are just a few examples of our collective commitment to support our communities.
The cooperative relationship between Yale University and its hometown has grown and continues to work because of the commitment and leadership of countless people on campus and throughout New Haven. Each year, outstanding individual effort to sustain and nourish the partnership between “town and gown” is recognized through the Yale University Seton Elm-Ivy Awards.
The Awards were established in 1979 through the inspiration and support of the late Fenmore Seton (Class of ‘38) and his wife Phyllis, who established an endowment at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to support the awards. The first Elm and Ivy Awards were given in 1980. Since that time, four hundred twenty-eight individuals and organizations have been honored, including three couples who won Joint Awards.
Individual Elm Awards are given to adults in the broader New Haven community. Ivy Awards are given to Yale staff and faculty, Yale College undergraduates, and Yale University graduate/professional students. One other category was also established, the Combined Elm and Ivy Award to honor persons who, on a long-term basis, have served both Yale University and the City of New Haven with special distinction.
Nominations are sought to recognize individuals who have provided exemplary service to further strengthen the relationships among the New Haven and Yale University communities.
To nominate, please fill out the Seton Elm-Ivy Nomination form (below).
For reference, review citations for past awardees. Include as much information as possible in your nomination, as this will help determine the final list of award recipients. Please also refer to our list of past Seton Elm and Ivy Award recipients to ensure that your nominee has not previously received an award.
Call (203) 432-8412 for further information.