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

Commencement Week Events

Harvard Commencement Events 2026

What a Key EPA Repeal Means for America’s Climate Future

A Harvard alumni panel examines the impact of the “Endangerment Finding.”

Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Michael S. Chae to Join Harvard Corporation

The alumni will fill two vacancies on the University’s governing board.

Most popular

How physical appearance influences authority

Cherubic features benefit black male CEOs, but not other groups, underscoring the complexity of social disadvantage.

How Women Are Changing the NBA

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

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.”

Explore More From Current Issue

Katie Benzan stands on a basketball court holding a ball, with a hoop in the background.

How Women Are Changing the NBA

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

Alene Anello smiling surrounded by four chickens in a natural outdoor setting.

Harvard-trained Lawyer Fights for the Rights of Chickens

Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.

Historical scene depicting a parade with soldiers and a town square in the background.

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.