2009 Harvard Medalists

Three alumni are honored for outstanding service to the University.

John F. Cogan Jr.

John F. Cogan Jr. | Photograph by Stu Rosner

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

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

David Battat promotes alumni engagement.

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion

Most popular

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.  

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

After a final round of layoffs, University leaders say 165 staff jobs were eliminated across the division.

Explore More From Current Issue

A smiling William C. Kirby in a suit with glasses stands outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

The president of Harvard Magazine’s Board of Directors will step down in September.

A vase of yellow flowers on a table next to an orange and a glass.

Harvard Art Museums restores a rare glimpse of an American master.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.