2009 Harvard Medalists

Three alumni are honored for outstanding service to the University.

John F. Cogan Jr.

Three people received the Harvard Medal for outstanding service and were publicly thanked by President Drew Faust during the Harvard Alumni Association’s annual meeting on the afternoon of Commencement day. 

 

John F. Cogan Jr. ’49, J.D. ’52—Consummate counselor and University citizen, you have set the pace for generous and thoughtful alumni leadership, serving as chair of two Harvard Law School Campaigns and member of Visiting Committees to the Law School, the Davis Center for Russian Studies, and Harvard’s art museums, combining your keen knowledge of the law, international business, and the arts to strengthen your Alma Mater.


Photograph by Stu Rosner

Harvey V. Fineberg

Harvey V. Fineberg ’67, M.D. ’71, M.P.P. ’72, Ph.D. ’80—Loyal and illustrious alumnus, holding posts as Provost of Harvard University and Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, you have successfully brought together professors, practitioners, and the public throughout your career, helping to improve health and human rights by your commitment to science and civil discourse. 

 

Photograph by Stu Rosner

Patti B. Saris

Patti B. Saris ’73, J.D. ’76—From Boston to the federal bench, you have been an inspirational and enthusiastic leader for Harvard, daring to make a difference while serving with dedicated distinction as President of the Harvard Board of Overseers, Chief Marshal of the Alumni for the Class of 1973, and Chair of the HAA Nominating Committee for Overseers and Elected Directors.

Related topics

You might also like

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

A conversation with the former Navy SEAL and gold-medal-winning Paralympic skier

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever

Most popular

Harvard Faculty Group Proposes Limits on A Grades

The grade inflation measure requires a full faculty vote, expected in the spring.

Harvard Students, Alumni to Compete at the 2026 Olympics

Six Crimson athletes are headed to the XXV Winter Games in Milano Cortina 

Former Homeland Security Chief Says ICE and CBP Have “Lost Their Way”

At Kennedy School talk, Jeh Johnson advocates restructuring “outdated” DHS.

Explore More From Current Issue

Anne Neal Petri in a navy suit leans on a wooden chair against an exterior wall of Mount Vernon..

Mount Vernon, Historic Preservation, and American Politics

Anne Neal Petri promotes George Washington and historic literacy.

Historic church steeple framed by bare tree branches against a clear sky.

Harvard’s Financial Challenges Lead to Difficult Choices

The University faces the consequences of the Trump administration—and its own bureaucracy.

A silhouette of a person stands before glowing domes in a red, rocky landscape at sunset.

Getting to Mars (for Real)

Humans have been dreaming of living on the Red Planet for decades. Harvard researchers are on the case.