FAQ

Who is awarded the Yale Medal?

The Yale Medal is the highest award given for "outstanding service to Yale." It is generally awarded to individuals after a long period of service. It is rarely awarded to someone on the basis of service to the University rendered primarily while employed directly by the University, to members or past members of the Corporation for their service in that role or to those whose service consists solely of contributing money. It is also not awarded as a recognition for outstanding career accomplishments or service to society. It is generally awarded in recognition of extensive, exemplary voluntary service on behalf of Yale as a whole or one of its many schools, institutes or programs.
How often is the Yale Medal awarded?

The Yale Medal is awarded once a year in the fall at the Yale Medal dinner held during the Assembly of the Association of Yale Alumni.

How many Yale Medals are awarded annually?

The Yale Medal Committee may select up to five persons a year to receive the Yale Medal.
Who awards the Yale Medal and what is the make-up of the Yale Medal Committee?

The Association of Yale Alumni awards the Yale Medal. The committee is selected by the Chair of the AYA Board of Governors and consists of not fewer than six AYA Board members, in addition to the Chair and Vice-Chair as members ex officiis. Other ex officiis members are: the Executive Director of the AYA, the Provost, the Secretary, the Vice President for Development, the Assistant to the President of the University, one member of the Corporation and three members of the faculty.

How are nominations solicited?

A letter of solicitation goes to Assembly delegates, Board members, Club Officers, Class Secretaries, Officers of Graduate and Professional School Alumni Associations, the University Council, the Director of the Yale Alumni Fund, the Yale Alumni Pub-lications Board, the Development Board, other alumni leaders and university officials.
When is the selection of the medalists made?

The committee selects the slate during the April meeting of the AYA Board of Governors.

When is the slate announced each year?

The Committee Chair notifies the Yale Medal nominees of their selection once the Board, at its April meeting, approves the slate of nominees. For further questions about the Yale Medal, contact Ann Griffith, at the Association of Yale Alumni at (203) 432-1940 or ann.griffith@yale.edu.