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

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

How Women Are Changing the NBA

From coaching staffs to front offices, female leaders are bringing new strategies to men’s basketball.

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.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

Most popular

Harvard Graduate Student Workers Strike

Union demands higher pay, protections for non-citizen members, and changes to the harassment complaint process.

At Harvard Talk, Retired Supreme Court Justice Breyer Defends Shadow Docket

The current law professor also spoke about affirmative action, partisanship, and the limits of “bright-line rules.”

Harvard Alumni Honored for University Service

The 2026 Harvard Medal recipients will be honored on June 5.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Bronze statues of three historical figures under a stylized tree in a softly lit space.

The Costly Choice Native Americans Faced

How the Revolution reshaped indigenous New England