Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award
The annual Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award is presented by United Way of Greater New Haven to an individual or couple who embody the American spirit of giving and volunteerism witnessed by Alexis de Tocqueville as he traveled the United States in the mid 1800's. Alexis deTocqueville observed that Americans help each other in times of need and wrote, "I must say that I have seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare, and I have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another." In 2009, the annual Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award was renamed the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Herbert H. Pearce Award to honor his contributions to the community.
2011 Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Herbert H. Pearce Award Recipients: Frank Turner and Ellen Tillotson
Whether as a University Provost, Librarian, Professor, author, publisher, husband, uncle, brother or friend, Frank was always a distinguished scholar and gentleman whose passion for helping others was evident in everything he did. Ellen began her career at the Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green in New Haven as the assistant minister, and this is where she met Frank. Ellen then became the Lead Reverend at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington. With her strong sense of church and community, Ellen became a member and eventually President of the Torrington Rotary Club. She received the 2003-2004 Paul Harris Fellow Award, one of the highest honors in Rotary.United Way is grateful for the contributions they have made to our community and for the examples they have given us as philanthropists, community leaders and advocates. 2010 Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Herbert H. Pearce Award Recipients: Andy Eder and Charlie Andriole
Andy Eder was the visionary behind creating Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine – a joint effort of United Way of Greater New Haven and The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven to meet emergency food and housing needs and provide relief funds for people throughout Greater New Haven which raised $1.3 million a community effort to help meet emergency needs in Greater New Haven. Andy credits his family, particularly his father and uncle, for showing him “the way” and how to get involved in the community. Charlie Andriole, is the Chairman of the Board of Managers for the Soundview Family YMCA. As the Chairman of their Capital Campaign, Charlie lead the effort to raise over $9 million in funds to ensure the opening of the Soundview Family YMCA’s new state of the art 38,000 square foot facility in June of 2010. Andriole credits his mother for teaching him about making a commitment to community service. |
2009 Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Herbert H. Pearce Award Recipients: Guido and Anne Calabresi |
 The 2009 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Herbert H. Pearce Award was presented to Guido and Anne Calabresi. They are philanthropic inspirations to the Greater New Haven community who generously give their time and support so that their community can prosper.Although supportive of countless nonprofit efforts across the region, Anne is perhaps best recognized as a co-founder of both LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership) and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Anne’s concern for the well-being of all children, and her belief that education is the one opportunity our society provides to lift children out of poverty, spurred the creation of LEAP. Founded to bring together talented college students and young children in mentoring relationships focused on academics and athletics, LEAP serves over 250 children who reside in the most impoverished areas in New Haven, and trains more than 50 high school and college students as counselors to under-served children. Anne has always believed that New Haven is home to incredible museums, theaters, and cultural institutions. Her vision to enhance New Haven’s reputation as a major artistic and cultural center resulted in the creation of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, a two week festival that brings together artists, actors, and musicians from around the globe to entertain, share ideas and celebrate the diversity of our world. Guido emigrated with his family from Milan, Italy over 60 years ago. He was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1994 to the United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit. Prior to his appointment, Guido was Sterling Professor of Law and Dean of Yale Law School, his alma mater, where he began teaching in 1959. Guido’s contributions to the intersect between law and economics include the application of economic reasoning to tort law and a legal interpretation of the Coase theorem. Under Guido’s intellectual and administrative leadership, Yale Law School became a center for legal scholarship in economics and other social sciences. Guido has published four books, including the law-and-economics classic The Costs of Accidents, and more than 100 articles on law and related subjects and over 800 judicial opinions. He has been awarded over 40 honorary degrees from universities across the world and is a member of numerous honorary groups and Boards of Directors including the Royal Swedish Academy of Science and the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit. Anne and Guido share a passion for changing the world. They are determined advocates for excellence in education for all children and for a society in which all people are treated equally. Through their leadership and action they demonstrate what it means to be community champions for justice, equality and benevolence. |
2008 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Bruce and Chris Alexander |
 The 2008 Alexis de Tocqueville Award was presented to Chris and Bruce Alexander. In the ten short years that Bruce and Chris Alexander have called New Haven home, they have each, in their own unique and important ways, made this community a better place.Chris is the founder and Executive Director of New Haven Reads, an organization that provides adults and children access to free books as well as tutoring opportunities in order to improve literacy skills and success in school in our region. Chris created and launched New Haven Reads just six years ago. Last year, New Haven Reads distributed over 120,000 books to children and adults. Her team of almost 300 devoted volunteers tutors approximately 287 children a week. One of her co-workers commented that “New Haven Reads operates the way we wish the world would function.” Bruce is a man with a vision of what New Haven can and should be. As Vice President for New Haven and State Affairs and Campus Development at Yale University, Bruce recognizes an opportunity to make this vision a reality. To that end, Bruce has built a partnership with New Haven that is paying dividends for Yale, the city and its citizens. Bruce and his team work to strengthen New Haven by fostering economic development, revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting public school and youth programs and creating a vital downtown. Bruce’s leadership has contributed to many successful programs including Science Park, the Yale Urban Teaching Initiative, the Rose Center in the Dixwell neighborhood (located just across the street from New Haven Reads) and the revitalization of Broadway and Chapel streets. Whether it is putting a book in the hand of a child who has never held one, or spearheading a program that puts families into their first home, Chris and Bruce understand that we are all connected to each other and when one of us does well, we all are better for it. Thank you Chris and Bruce Alexander for your outstanding commitment to the Greater New Haven community. |
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2007 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: John J. and Catherine C. Crawford |
Catherine was born in Hartford and moved with her family to New Haven when she was seven years old. She graduated from St. Francis Grammar School and Sacred Heart Academy and received her B.A. in Sociology from Albertus Magnus College and M.A. in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. John was born and raised here in New Haven. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and received a B.S. in Accounting from UCONN and a M.B.A. from Harvard. Catherine and John have known each other since they were teenagers and have spent most of their adult lives working in and giving back to Greater New Haven. They have four lovely children and seven beautiful grandchildren. Both share a passion for helping and doing. Catherine focuses her energy on helping children. For the past 13 years she has been a docent at the Yale Center for British Art where she leads school children and other guests on interesting and informative tours. She also works with children in foster care as they move through the process toward adoption. John uses his talents to help guide local organizations toward more impact in the community. He serves or has served on numerous boards of local nonprofit organizations including United Way, The Hospital of Saint Raphael, Albertus Magnus College, Guilford Interfaith Housing, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and St. Martin de Porres Academy. Thank you, Catherine and John, for your outstanding commitment to the Greater New Haven community. |
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2006 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Robert and Carol Lyons |
Bob and Carol live by the credo: "If you can help, you should help". And help they do. From Bob's participation on the Boards of Gaylord Hospital, NewAlliance Bank, CT Hospital Association, International Festival of Arts and Ideas, and United Way of Greater New Haven…to Carol's commitment to her community through volunteering in soup kitchens, hospitals, schools (she is a former PTO President) and her active role in the church vestry …to their joint work as current co-chairs of their church's stewardship effort…this couple knows how to make a difference. Bob and Carol were both born and raised in Connecticut. Bob is a third generation New Haven native and oldest of seven. Carol grew up right down the road in beautiful Wilton. But they met in Pennsylvania while in college, married in 1974 and moved to Illinois where they attended graduate school. Carol received her MA in Bio-Chemistry at the University of Illinois Medical Center and Bob his MBA at Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Bob and Carol are passing their caring legacy to their four children. Each time the family gets together for a holiday meal they challenge each to come prepared to share how they have contributed to their community. Thank you, Carol and Bob, for your commitment to the Greater New Haven community. |
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2005 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Henry and Nancy Bartels |
United Way, Cornell, Rutgers, Yale University, The University of New Haven, Quinnipiac University, The Yale Art Gallery, Historic Deerfield . . . these are just a few of the institutions and organizations that have benefited from the Bartels’ thoughtful philanthropy. Many of their gifts are anonymous, and some are even in the names of other people they choose to honor. Recognition isn’t important to the Bartels. Making a tangible difference is. Nancy and Hank Bartels are the very best kind of philanthropists – engaged, thoughtful, committed citizens who put the welfare of others first. |
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2004 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Ben Kaplan and Annie Garcia Kaplan |
Annie and Ben have been described as “caretakers for the immediate world”. They are generous, engaged philanthropists who invest in this community not only their charitable dollars but also their time, intellect and passion. |
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2003 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Bill and Jean Graustein |
The Graustein’s were honored for their long commitment to the people of this community, manifested in their charitable giving and personal involvement. Jean and Bill Graustein’s leadership has given a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard, has increased capacity in our local institutions and organizations, and has made our community stronger. We are grateful for their presence in our lives and in our community. |
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2002 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Chris and Toddie Getman |
Toddie and Chris Getman are the kind of Americans de Tocqueville observed and admired when he wrote about our society almost 150 years ago. For almost four decades the Getman’s have been true citizen leaders in this community. Always responding when called upon, they have touched thousands of lives by nurturing our most vulnerable children, supporting the arts, bringing professional sports to New Haven and working to improve the quality of life for the people of our region. And they have done all of this with a spirited sense of enthusiasm, embracing the best of what life has to offer. |
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2001 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Jerome and Roslyn Meyer |
Roslyn and Jerome Meyer are shining examples of the spirit of de Tocqueville. Blessed with the ability to give generously, they have chosen to involve themselves in this city not only as philanthropists, but also as committed volunteers who see the great potential of our community and dedicate themselves to bringing that vision to reality. The Meyers combine their resources with character, determination and courage. The result is powerful and special contributions to Greater New Haven and beyond. |
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2000 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Gordon and Shelley Geballe |
Gordon and Shelley Geballe have invested their time, energy and resources in our community in many ways for many years. They have not only worked actively to support existing organizations such as Dwight Hall at Yale University , Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Connecticut Civil Liberties Union, but have also been instrumental in creating advocacy and action efforts such as the Urban Resources Institute at Yale University School of Forestry and Voices For Connecticut Children. Shelley and Gordon share a passion for our community and for social action that translates into results. The Geballes have raised three talented boys who are already giving back to the community in significant ways. Gordon and Shelley have spent their adults lives committed to making our world a better place to live and have passed that legacy on to their children. They embody the spirit Alexis de Tocqueville described when he said, “I have seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare.” |
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1999 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Sumner and Sue Crosby |
"Sue and I have always been strong supporters and advocates of the United Way because they have the expertise to determine where the dollars are most needed. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society is not for everyone. But there are a lot of people in this community, people like Sue and me, that life has been good to. We have the capacity to make a meaningful difference in the health and welfare of this community through philanthropy, and we believe – and hope to convince others – that the Alexis de Tocqeville Society is a wonderful way to do that." said Sumner. It is not only their work with The Carolyn Foundation and as chairs of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society that inspires those around them, but the spirit which guides their personal actions as well.
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1998 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award Recipients: Michael McHugh and Herbert H. Pearce |
Calling it "a program that was good for the United Way and therefore good for Greater New Haven", they set goal of getting five people to commit to joining the society its first year. As co-chairs, they pulled together a list of 15 people in the Greater New Haven community they thought had the capability and desire to become members. Out of those 15 people, they were able to talk with 12 individuals and received 10 positive responses. Including the two of themselves, and the five members United Way President Hart D. Caparulo recruited, the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Greater New Haven was officially launched with 15 members in 1997. Herb Pearce referred to the members of the ADT Society as, "good, substantial citizens. They’re givers; they’re not takers in this community." The same could be said of Herb and Mike - exemplars of the Alexis de Tocqueville spirit and winners of the first ever Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award. |
In celebration of the caring leadership in our community, the 2011 Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Herbert H. Pearce Award was presented to Frank Turner, who passed away quite unexpectedly almost a year ago, and his wife Ellen Tillotson. Frank and Ellen are humble philanthropists, civic leaders and humanitarians. Through their tremendous passion and enthusiasm for education and mentoring, they have touched the lives of many. Just by virtue of who they are, they model what it is to be a caring neighbor and involved citizen.
The 2010 Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Herbert H. Pearce Award was presented to Andy Eder, a Guilford resident and president of Eder Bros., and Charlie Andriole, a Branford resident and Senior and Managing Partner of the Andriole Group of Merrill Lynch. Andy and Charlie have made many great contributions to our community as philanthropists, community leaders and advocates. Just by virtue of whom they are, they model what it is to be a caring neighbor and involved citizen.
The 2007 Alexis de Tocqueville Award was presented to John J. and Catherine C. Crawford. Catherine and John are a dynamic and well-respected couple who generously give of their time and treasure so that others may be helped.
The 2006 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award was presented to Carol and Robert J. Lyons, Jr.
The 2005 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award was presented to Henry E. “Hank” and Nancy Bartels. Nancy and Hank have been successful in their lives through their own hard work and smart investments. They modestly say that they have all they need in life and enjoy sharing what they have.
The 2004 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award was presented to Ben D. and Annie Garcia Kaplan, a couple who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children of every age. It’s especially meaningful that as United Way commits ourselves as an organization to doing the same, we celebrate and take inspiration from their outstanding leadership.
United Way of Greater New Haven took great pleasure in honoring Jean and Bill Graustein, true citizens of this community, with the 2003 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award.
United Way of Greater New Haven proudly presented the 2002 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award to Toddie and Chris Getman, philanthropists, volunteer leaders, and outstanding citizens.
United Way of Greater New Haven proudly presented the 2001 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award to Roslyn and Jerome Meyer, outstanding supporters of United Way and the citizens of our community.
United Way of Greater New Haven proudly presented Shelley and Gordon Geballe with the 2000 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award.
Sue and Sumner Crosby chaired the de Tocqueville campaign in 1998 and 1999, more than doubling both membership and dollars raised.
Michael McHugh and Herbert H. Pearce were honored as the first Alexis de Tocquville Society Award winners in 1998 for their efforts in establishing the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Greate New Haven.
