Victor Chears graduated from Yale University in 1974 and is one of five recipients of the Yale Medal in 2007.  Inaugurated in 1952, the Yale Medal is the highest award presented by the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA) and is conferred solely to recognize and honor outstanding individual service to the University. Since its inception, the Yale Medal has been presented to 262 individuals, all of whom not only showed extraordinary devotion to the ideals of the University, but also were conspicuous in demonstrating their support of Yale through extensive, exemplary voluntary service on behalf of Yale as a whole or one of its many schools, institutes, or programs.

 

Among his many contributions Victor has served as an AYA delegate, member of the Board of Governors and as an officer of the Board.  He has also chaired the board of the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale and was co-chair of its 35th anniversary celebration in 2004. Currently he is on the Board of the Yale Club of Chicago Foundation and the Yale Club of Chicago, where he is a former president.