Exemplary Contributors

With great pleasure, the editors recognize four contributors to Harvard Magazine during 2006, awarding each $1,000 for their distinguished service to readers.

Adam Kirsch
Debra Bradley Ruder

The McCord Writing Prize, named for David T.W. McCord ’21, A.M. ’22, L.H.D. ’56, recalls the lively prose and verse he wrote at this magazine and at the Harvard College Fund. This year’s prize honors, for the second time, contributing editor Adam Kirsch ’97, for “Rereading the Renaissance” (March-April) and the November-December cover story, a profile and assessment of poet Seamus Heaney. Kirschs wide reading and wonderful writing make literature fresh and important.

The Smith-Weld Prize—in the memories of A. Calvert Smith ’14, formerly secretary to Harvard’s governning boards and executive assistant to President James Bryant Conant, and Philip S. Weld ’36, former president of the magazine—celebrates thought-provoking journalism about the University. Debra Bradley Ruder’s feature, “Life Lessons” (January-February), presented compelling personal stories about medical students and their gravely ill patients, and in a September-October news account, she provided a lucid report on Harvard Medical School’s new curriculum.

Stuart Bradford
Jim Harrison

Illustrator Stuart Bradford insightfully interpreted the January-February cover story on how political opinions are formed and change, among his other resonant work during the year.

Photographer Jim Harrison, long a contributing editor, enlivened numerous articles, in assignments ranging from an illustrated feature on the reinstalled Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (March-April) to portraits of departing President Lawrence H. Summers (September-October cover article). It is a pleasure to acknowledge his invaluable work again. Characteristically, Harrison continues to reinvent himself, practicing photography in a new medium in this issue (see “The Oracle of Aqua”).

Click here for the January-February 2007 issue table of contents

Most popular

Harvard, Government Present Arguments in Funding Case

Judge questions relationship between antisemitism charges and grant cancellations.

International Scholars and Students Targeted—Again

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces fresh investigation into Harvard’s participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.

The Risks of Low-Dose Radiation Exposure

Continuing fallout from the Manhattan Project

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvard’s Comedy and Improv Scene

In comedy groups, students find ways to be absurd, present, and a little less self-conscious.

New Harvard Overseers and HAA Directors

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

Harvard Medalists

Four people honored for exceptional service to the University