CLEVELAND – The Alumni Association at Yale University on Friday honored Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, with its highest honor.
Sullivan, who earned two degrees from the prestigious university, was one of five recipients of the 2024 Yale Medal, an award presented to individuals who have shown extraordinary devotion to Yale’s ideals and demonstrated their support through extensive, exemplary services to the university and its schools, institutes, and programs.
The award has only been given to about 340 people in more than seven decades. Yale, the third oldest university in the United States, was founded in 1701.
Sullivan earned her bachelor’s degree in 1974 and her master’s degree in 1976. She was a trailblazer for women’s varsity sports at Yale. In 1972, she became a founding member of the Yale women’s crew program. During the 1973-74 season, she became the program’s first varsity captain.
Sullivan was recognized as a leader more committed to results than recognition. The alumni association lauded her for significant contributions to the Graduate School Alumni Association, the YAA Board of Governors, Yale Women’s Crew alumni association, Yale Day of Service, the Alumni Schools Committee, and the Yale Club of Cleveland.
In her role as co-chair of Yale Day of Service in 2020 and 2021, Sullivan and her co-chair found creative ways to foster community when in-person gatherings were off-limits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the alumni association said. Among those were a letter-writing campaign for seniors experiencing isolation and loneliness and efforts to amplify Yale Day of Service virtual programs throughout the broader global alumni community.
“Her unwavering dedication to getting the job done no matter the circumstances and genuine love for Yale make her an invaluable member of the alumni community,” the alumni association said.
Sullivan recently marked her 45th anniversary with The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. As director of opinion, she plays a key role in shaping the discussion on important issues for all Ohioans.
“Her intellect gives us a steady stream of high-value opinion content that readers love to read and debate,” Christopher Quinn, vice president for content, said then. “Few people in Ohio have the impact Betsy has on conversations in this state.”