Awards Honor Yale-New Haven Connection Builders

Recipients recognized for strengthening ties between Yale University and the city of New Haven.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:22am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a group of people in an educational setting, with warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, intimate atmosphere that captures the collaborative spirit of the Seton Elm-Ivy Awards.The Seton Elm-Ivy Awards honor the individuals and organizations that bridge the gap between Yale University and the New Haven community, fostering collaboration and mentorship that benefit both the city and the institution.New Haven Today

A group of Yale School of Medicine faculty, local business leaders, and Yale students were among the recipients of the 2026 Seton Elm-Ivy awards, which honor outstanding efforts to enhance the lives of New Haven residents and strengthen the partnership between Yale and its host city.

Why it matters

The Seton Elm-Ivy Awards highlight the important role that individuals and organizations play in bridging the gap between Yale University and the New Haven community, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and community development initiatives that benefit both the university and the city.

The details

The Elm Awards honored individuals from the New Haven community, including Mark Abraham of DataHaven, Rob Bettigole and Chris McLeod of Elm City Ventures, and Dina Natalino of the New Haven Public Schools. The Ivy Awards recognized Yale faculty, staff, and students, such as Leigh Evans, Jay Bonz, and Tatiana Moylan from the Yale School of Medicine, Kevin Charbonneau from Yale Environmental Health & Safety, and student leaders Katelyn Wang and Johan Zongo of the Bright Spaces mentorship program.

  • The awards ceremony took place on April 8, 2026.
  • The Seton Elm-Ivy Awards were established in 1979.

The players

Mark Abraham

Executive director of DataHaven, a New Haven-based nonprofit that collects and ensures access to data on well-being, equity, and quality of life in the community.

Rob Bettigole and Chris McLeod

Managing partners of Elm City Ventures, a New Haven-based seed and early venture fund that has supported Yale researchers tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Dina Natalino

Supervisor for college and career pathways for the New Haven Public Schools.

Leigh Evans, Jay Bonz, and Tatiana Moylan

Yale School of Medicine faculty members who have introduced New Haven students to potential careers in the health care profession through the Yale Simulation Lab.

Kevin Charbonneau

Director of the Yale Environmental Health & Safety department.

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The takeaway

The Seton Elm-Ivy Awards demonstrate the strong partnership between Yale University and the city of New Haven, recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations that work to enhance the lives of Elm City residents and strengthen the connection between the two entities.