Gifts That Keep Giving

"A gift to Harvard is a gift to the world," declared Robert G. Stone Jr. '45, L.H.D. '03, the longtime chairman of the Committee on...

"A gift to Harvard is a gift to the world," declared Robert G. Stone Jr. '45, L.H.D. '03, the longtime chairman of the Committee on University Resources, in presenting his annual report at the HAA meeting on the afternoon of Commencement day. Among the donations that Harvard wants to use "to make the world a better place," Stone noted in particular those from this year's anniversary classes. The class of 1989 raised a record fifteenth-reunion gift of $4.7 million. The class of 1949, who raised $30.781 million in 1999 — the record for a fiftieth reunion in the twentieth century — set a new record for fifty-fifth reunions with a gift of $11.3 million. The class of 1969, despite graduating, as Stone noted, in a time of turmoil in the world and in Cambridge, contributed $12.6 million as their thirty-fifth-reunion gift; the fiftieth reunioners, the class of 1954, Stone said, presented $22,000,054. And the class of 1979 set a new twenty-fifth reunion record with $36.3 million. In all, Stone announced, more than 30,000 alumni contributed to the Harvard College Fund during the past fiscal year. Gifts flowed to professional schools as well: the Business School has raised $450 million, or 90 percent of its current capital-campaign goal with a year yet to go, while the Law School, with $196 million already in hand, is just under halfway to its campaign goal and has four years to go. (For details of major financial-aid contributions to the University this year, see "Addition by Subtraction.")

     

Most popular

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Radcliffe Institute Announces 2026-2027 Fellows

Scholars will tap Harvard’s intellectual resources during the coming academic year.

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

Explore More From Current Issue

Portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a black coat, arms crossed, thoughtful expression.

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.

A dancer in a black leotard poses gracefully in a bright studio, with mirrors reflecting her movement.

A New Black Swan Musical Cranks Up the Tension

The creative team of the A.R.T.’s new show dish on adapting Darren Aronofsky’s thriller classic from screen to stage.

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.