Centennial Medalists

Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences confers the Centennial Medals.

Each June, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Centennial Medal, first awarded in 1989 on the occasion of the school’s hundredth anniversary, honors alumni who have made contributions to society that emerged from their graduate study at Harvard. This year’s honorands are, from left: president emeritus Neil L. Rudenstine, Ph.D. ’64, LL.D. ’02, “Harvard’s good shepherd”; Sarah Blaffer Hrdy ’68, Ph.D. ’75, exploder of “anthropological myths”; Frederick Brooks, Ph.D. ’56, a pioneering engineer of computer innovation; and “visionary” economist Jeffrey Sachs ’76, Ph.D. ’80, JF ’81. For the full citations, see www.harvardmagazine.com/go/centennial_medalists.

Most popular

The longtime administrator, who retired from the post in 2018, returns as the College reorganizes. 

The government also opens an investigation into financial aid awards to Chinese students.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

Explore More From Current Issue

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.

A chaotic scene in a messy room with people engaging in various activities, some cleaning.

Until the 1950s, professionals cleaned up after students in the dorms.

Aerial view of modern high-rise buildings surrounded by greenery and city skyline.

In a sea of red brick, the Science Center and Peabody Terrace make their mark.