Recognition

SYA alumni make a profound impact in their professions and in their communities. Many alumni have risen to extraordinary heights in their professional and/or volunteer endeavors and their achievements and recognition have reflected honor on SYA. These alumni embody the values and core principles of SYA and have demonstrated extraordinary service to their field, humanity and/or society.

Nominee Criteria

1. An alum who has not received this honor previously;
2. An alum who has made extraordinary contributions to their field and/or to their community.

Note: Alumni who are currently employed by SYA or who currently serve on the Board of Trustees are ineligible.

The Stephen M. Foster ES'65 Exemplary Service Award was established in 2018 to recognize and celebrate those members of the SYA community who demonstrate extraordinary service to School Year Abroad, exemplified by the commitment of Stephen M. Foster ES'65. Service to SYA can take many forms, and we appreciate contributions made by dedicated volunteers, generous donors and hard-working employees alike. This award celebrates and honors extraordinary commitment and exemplary service to SYA.

Nominee Criteria

1. May be an alum; alum parent; current or former staff or faculty member of SYA; former Board of Trustee member of SYA who has not received this honor previously;
2. Provided extraordinary volunteer service and/or;
3. Demonstrated depth of loyalty, involvement and commitment to SYA and its mission.

Note: Those who are currently employed by SYA or serve on the Board of Trustees are ineligible. 

Process for Nomination, Decision Making, Notification and Awarding
The Awards Committee will accept nominations from January 30 through March 15. Nominations will be kept on an active-consideration list for three years. Awards need not be given on an annual basis and may be awarded posthumously.

An announcement will be made to the greater SYA community in conjunction with Founder's Day celebrations of the same year. Recipients will receive an award either in person at a time designated by the Office of Alumni Relations or through the mail.

The SYA Honorary Alumnus/a Award was established to honor faculty members who have had a sustained impact on the lives of students, or who have fostered the relationships between and among SYA alumni and the greater SYA community.  

Nominee Criteria
During milestone reunion years, alumni many nominate a faculty member who meets the following criteria:

 1. Has given extraordinary and valuable contribution of time and/or effort to SYA;
 2. Demonstrates a depth of loyalty, involvement and commitment to SYA’s mission parallel that of an SYA alum.

Note: Those who are an alum of SYA, either by attendance at an SYA school or by receiving this honor previously are ineligible

Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations to begin the approval process.