For generations of Dwight Hall students, Herb Cahoon was a mentor, counselor, and guiding light. Appointed Director of Volunteer Services at Yale in 1960, he grew student engagement in community service from 300 to over 1,000 by 1982.
Volunteer Services eventually transformed into what is today known as Dwight Hall. Even after his retirement, Herb Cahoon continued his association with students at Dwight Hall for another 25 years, full of mentorship and humor. In honor of his work, the City of New Haven designated May 3rd of every year as Herb Cahoon Day.
During his time at Dwight Hall, he worked closely with undergraduate leaders and staff at the Yale Chaplain’s Office. Under his guidance, students helped establish non-profit organizations such as Marrakech, Inc., and the New Haven Halfway House. Similarly, alongside David Warren ’70 M.Div., ’70 M.U.S., the Dwight Hall executive director at that time, Herb Cahoon helped create the Dwight Hall Summer Internship Program to offer summer employment for students who designed collaborative projects in conjunction with community leaders to address critical needs in New Haven. This year, Herb’s legacy lives on in the 28 students designated as 2026 Summer Fellows, which you may read about here.
His wife, Jean Cahoon, was also a beloved member of the Dwight Hall community. During her time at the Hall, Jean worked closely with Herb, devoting her time to placing Yale students as volunteers at local New Haven schools. Just as Herb did, Jean continually fought for students to engage with their communities and make a contribution for those around them and for themselves.
Today, Dwight Hall engages more than 4,000 students in service and social justice across New Haven and beyond, building on the foundation Herb and Jean helped create.
To learn more about Herb and Jean Cahoon, read some quotes from Dwight Hall alumni below detailing their favorite memories of both individuals:
Carl Eifler ’70:
“There are many memories of Herb and Jean. Herb was the mainstay of my last two undergrad years and the three years I spent in New Haven after that before I went to grad school in Boston. Jean was Herb’s energy source. Herb was the glue between students and the Hall. He was that for me, too. My clearest memories are sitting with Herb under random trees on Old Campus during the summers and talking about how the world needed to change. He never criticized my desire to be a banker. He said his father was a banker and that everyone contributes in their own way. But you have to contribute and not lose focus on making that contribution. He always found a way to spin everyone’s thoughts in a positive direction, to find the best in people, and to use both words and action in the community to inspire everyone to be their best selves. If Herb could do it, then maybe I could do it, too. Maybe that’s why I decided to try.”
Walter Wagoner, Jr. ’65, ’70 LL.B.:
“Back in the ’60s, Herb connected me with Rev. Peter Pond (Yale Div ’60), who was running a YMCA in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His project evolved into an island-wide VISTA. I worked with Peter and the volunteers for several years in Puerto Rico. Those friendships led to my lifelong association with artists and bands in the New Song movement in Latin America, and to meeting my wife of 45+ years and our beautiful Puerto Rican grandchildren. You could well say I owe my life to Herb.”
Daniella Levine Cava ’77:
“Dwight Hall was my go-to place, and by that, I mean Herb and Jean. I found them early in my Yale life and never let go. Just the thought of them makes me feel happy and fulfilled; their steady, calm yet passionate guidance shaped how I approach service. Leading the Big Brother Big Sister program on campus was my biggest life lesson from Yale (along with serving as Student Council President).”
Sam Maruca ’77:
“Herb and Jean were critical inputs in our formative years (1973–77). Herb picked up where my mother left off, emphasizing all the many joys of serving the community however you are able and comfortable. He seemed to know everything about New Haven and its needs. One of many fond recollections: after a successful Charities Drive, sitting with Herb and writing giant (to my eyes) checks to the varied do-good organizations around the city. His enthusiasm and selflessness made a lifelong impression.”
Whit Knapp ’62, ’64 M.A.T.:
“Herb taught me one of the most fundamental concepts I have used all my life. In 1960, when I was about to start as a tutor at a home for last-chance boys, Herb called me into his office at the school and said, ‘The one thing you must always remember: when you hear trouble at that end of the school—’ he pointed to the left— ‘immediately go in the other direction—’ he pointed to the right— ‘that is where you will find the trouble.’ I have always used Herb’s lesson in checking for reality in every situation during my business life. Herb was a delightful individual as well as a great teacher.”
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