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

Harvard Elects New Overseers, HAA Directors

Leaders for the governing board and alumni association were chosen by an alumni vote.

Phi Beta Kappa Speakers Call Out a ‘Deeply Troubling’ Moment

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow and poet Meghan O’Rourke urge graduates to focus on character and “radical attention.”

Radcliffe Institute Announces 2026-2027 Fellows

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

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Explore More From Current Issue

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.

Woman in historical dress standing in front of green foliage, smiling brightly.

This Harvard Graduate Brings Women of the Revolution to Life

Historical reenactor Lauren Shear reveals tricks of the trade for playing Tory loyalists, Revolutionary poets, and more.

A woman with long hair leans on a table, looking out a large window with rain-streaked glass.

A Harvard Economist Probes the Affordable Housing Crisis

From understanding gender pay gaps to the housing crisis, Rebecca Diamond’s research aims to improve lives.