William Tanner Allread graduates with Distinction in the History major and as an Education Studies Scholar, with a record that reflects his forthright commitment to public service and the superb quality of his intellect and spirit.
Tanner has impressively combined his academic pursuits with his concern for social justice – including his internships with Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn and with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for American Indians and Native Americans, his roles within the Native American Cultural Center (NACC), Yale Faith in Action, and his fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi. More than one of his instructors have expressed admiration for the way his “generous spirit” and “quiet fortitude” have made him an intellectual and social leader to his peers. Tanner will return to his home state of Oklahoma to become a teacher with Teach for America and plans to attend law school in preparation for a continued life of service to others.
For his many talents and for the humility with which he applies them, Yale College is proud to bestow the James Andrew Haas Memorial Prize for 2016 upon William Tanner Allread.