Yale

Harris J. Ashton ‘54 graduated from Yale in 1954 with three varsity letters in football.  He left New Haven for Columbia Law School, taking two years off to serve a ROTC commitment.  Upon graduation, he joined the law firm of Breed Abbott & Morgan and later was elected partner at Lovejoy, Morris, Wasson & Huppuch.

Further in his career, Ashton became President and CEO of General Host, a Fortune 500 Company.  During his career he was appointed to the board of several companies including The Royal Bank of Canada (US subsidiary), Frontier Airlines, Armour & Company, and Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds.

Ashton’s civic contributions are also impressive, serving on the boards of multiple non-profits, including the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, United Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, and Yale-New Haven Hospital.  At Yale he chaired the 25th Reunion Special Gifts Committee, leading his class to a then record 25th reunion gift.  His service also includes being on the founding board of the Association of Yale Alumni and its first vice chairman.  He also served as President of the Yale Football Association.