David Newton ‘67 HGS Accepts Distinguished Alumnus Award

“We are a better city, a better school and a better community because of this man’s unwavering commitment to New Haven,” stated Kai Bynum in his introduction of David Newton ‘67 HGS, 2017 Distinguished Alumnus.  “He is Mr. New Haven!”

 

The Distinguished Alumni/ae Award is given to the person who makes outstanding contributions in their profession or field of endeavor and who exemplifies all the qualities their Hopkins experience offered.  David Newton accepted the 2017 award at an all-school assembly on Monday, November 14, 2016.

David Newton is President of Elm Advisors, LLC, which provides consulting services to not-for-profit institutions focused on real estate development, property acquisition and leasing, as well as facilities management strategy and not-for-profit governance issues.  He previously served as Associate Vice President and Director of University Properties at Yale University and was Executive Vice President of Aramark Education Services. 

David’s unique expertise has made him an invaluable board member to a “Who’s Who” of not-for-profits in the New Haven community.  Long Wharf Theatre, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Connecticut Health Foundation, Elm Shakespeare Company, the First City Fund Corporation, the Hospital of St. Raphael, the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and the New Haven Road Race are just a few of the organizations that have benefited from his counsel.  And, of course, Hopkins School where he served as a Trustee for twenty years, overseeing the design and construction of the Malone Science Center, Heath Commons, Calarco Library and Thompson Hall.

In his remarks to students, David spoke of the importance of the “third sector”–the not-for-profit sector–which provides a wide variety of services to the public that are not provided by government or business.  David has spent his entire life in the third sector where he has integrated entrepreneurship with citizenship and meaningful service.  David, whose father, two brothers and sister also graduated from Hopkins, noted that his call to service was awakened at Hopkins with his first foray into volunteering through the tutoring program. Recalling the words in Hopkins’ founding documents, David reminded students that they are the “hopeful youths who are called to public service in future times.”  “We are at an important time in history,” he noted.  “You can shape our future.” 

David concluded his remarks with a quote from Dr. Seuss.  “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.”