Alumni from the Class of SYA Spain 1965 Receive the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award

In honor of School Year Abroad’s 50th Anniversary, the Alumni Office has selected the 11 members from the inaugural Class of SYA Spain 1965 to receive the first SYA Distinguished Alumni Award.

These 11 “Schoolboys” were pioneers at the time – departing on the M.S. Aurelia in high school to study abroad in Barcelona. It is because of their giant leap of faith that SYA came to be at all. These students have led more than 7,500 alumni after them who embody the SYA mission – mastering a second language, displaying an aptitude in academic challenges, cultivating a cultural awareness and becoming global citizens.

Since their year with SYA, the members of the Class of ES’65 have distinguished themselves in a multitude of ways. Many speak more than two languages and collectively have lived in 17 countries since SYA. They have earned PhDs, JDs and MBAs and have made a difference with their entrepreneurship and leadership in philanthropy and volunteering.They have gone on to successful careers in law, human rights, education, construction, consulting, financial services, journalism, art, manufacturing, media and teaching. Among these alumni are a Fulbright Scholar, a recipient of the Judge L. Hand Award and a “Jeopardy!” Hall of Famer. They have even had a hand in shaping SYA after their year abroad through service on the Board of Trustees.

It is with great appreciation for their adventurous spirits and subsequent accomplishments that we are honored to present the SYA Distinguished Alumni Award to the Class of SYA Spain 1965.