The Donaldson Fellows Program for Yale SOM Alumni is named to honor SOM’s founding dean, William H. Donaldson, who also founded an investment bank, served as an under secretary of state, and led a major insurance corporation, the New York Stock Exchange, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (Read a short biography of William Donaldson.)

The program will recognize Yale SOM graduates whose personal and professional accomplishments embody the school’s mission to educate leaders for business and society. Three Donaldson Fellows will be selected every year by a committee chaired by the dean and comprised of SOM faculty, current students, and alumni. The selection will be based on nominations from members and friends of the SOM community, as well as self-nominations.

On-campus Residency

Once selected, Donaldson Fellows will take part in a two- to three-day residency at the school that will involve a series of dinner seminars, symposium and panel presentations, and meetings with students. The first residency will be held in April 2008. Participation in the on-campus program is a requirement for all Donaldson Fellows.

Criteria

In selecting the three Donaldson Fellows, the committee will seek a wide range of experience, and a variety of industries, sectors, and years since graduation. The objective is to select alumni who exemplify what it is to live the Yale School of Management mission as expressed through the following themes: Leading and Managing Across Boundaries; Transforming Positive Values into Personal, Professional and Institutional Commitments; and Bringing Creativity and Discipline to Complex Management Problems. (Read more about these distinctive qualities of Yale SOM.)

Nominations

Nominations of Yale SOM alumni to be Donaldson Fellows, including self-nominations, consisting of a 600-word essay, will be accepted through January 11, 2008. The essay should outline how the nominee’s career and personal life exemplify the school’s mission. Nominations can be sent to donaldson.fellows@yale.edu. The first fellows will be selected in early February.

Questions about the Donaldson Fellows Program can be directed to Associate Dean Elizabeth Stauderman.