The 2011 Harvard Medalists

For outstanding service to the University, a Commencement afternoon thank-you

From left to right: Albert Carnesale, Frances Fergusson, and Peter Malkin

From left to right: Albert Carnesale, Frances Fergusson, and Peter Malkin | Photographs by Stu Rosner

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

Albert CarnesaleYou were a towering source of strength for the Harvard community, serving as a professor and dean of the Kennedy School, fostering a new era of collegiality, curiosity, and cross-school collaboration as provost, and providing incisive intellectual leadership—to this University and to several United States presidents—on international affairs and the security of the nation.

Frances Fergusson, Ph.D. ’73, RI ’75—Your service to Harvard knows no bounds; as president of the Board of Overseers, as a leader on visiting committees, and as a thoughtful voice on governance, you have acted with energy, creativity, and resolve, advancing the University’s devotion to learning and helping imagine its future.

Peter Malkin ’55, J.D. ’58—Inspiring all who care deeply for Harvard, you have been a true University citizen, serving as a trusted adviser to presidents and deans, championing public service as a core University ideal, and making it possible through your extraordinary generosity for new generations of outstanding young men and women to fulfill their dreams of a Harvard education.

Malkin was surrounded by Harvard children and grandchildren—among the latter, no fewer than six who’ve been in the College in recent years (Louisa Malkin ’09 and Matthew Blumenthal ’08), are still enrolled (Malkins Eliza ’13 and Emily ’14), or had just “joined the fellowship of educated men and women” (Michael Blumenthal and Becky Malkin, both class of ’11).

Related topics

You might also like

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

In 2004, a frenzy spread across Harvard Yard in days. Four billion users later, we are only just catching up.

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

Most popular

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Football: The Tapestry

David C.K. McClelland’s famous Lampoon cover

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful word cloud with various emotions and ideas related to learning and reflection.

But it can’t replace human connection.

Decorative wrought iron gate framed by leafy branches, captured in sepia tones.

Former Indiana University president Thomas Ehrlich looks back on curriculum, co-education, and other major trends.

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

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