The results of the election will be announced on June 10, Commencement Day, at the annual meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.
Both Phyllis Yale and Elizabeth E. Yale, who are not related, say they have not suffered any hostility, even in jest, because of their name.
“Let’s just put it this way,” Phyllis Yale said, “it’s a good conversation starter.”
Asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Yale Office of Public Affairs said that Yale students or affiliates who might sport the last name “Harvard” would not encounter hostility in New Haven.
“I’m sure if a qualified person applied to Yale with the name of Harvard they would be treated perfectly fine,” she said.
The spokesperson said she was unable to ascertain whether anyone named Harvard was affiliated with Yale.