Harvard Medalists 2012: Collier, Gordons, Parker, Wallach

Five honored for outstanding service to the University

Clockwise from top left: Susan S. Wallach, Charles W. Collier, Harry L. Parker, Ellen R. Gordon and Melvin J. Gordon

Five 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.

Charles W. Collier, M.T.S. ’73. Fearless and faithful fundraiser, you have served Harvard through your deep knowledge of philanthropy, careful diplomacy, and hard work, giving alumni a wealth of planned opportunities to participate in the life of this University and leaving a legacy that has enriched us all.

Ellen R. Gordon, G ’69, and Melvin J. Gordon ’41, M.B.A. ’43. As proud parents and partners, you have worked together to advance the University’s mission in medicine, science, health, and athletics; through your outstanding generosity and loyal support, you have made Harvard’s family your own.

Harry L. Parker. Olympian oarsman and Crimson coach, better than the best at what you do, you have led the Harvard Men’s Crew to victory for more than half a century, instilling in your student athletes lessons of courage, determination, and strength that have led to success, not only on the water, but in their lives.

Susan S. Wallach ’68, J.D. ’71. As Radcliffe trustee, Harvard Overseer, and wise counselor to presidents and deans, you have helped stimulate new connections among Harvard’s myriad people and parts, with special care for the humanities and arts, for law and education, and for the steady advancement of women.

Related topics

You might also like

David Leo Rice on 'The Berlin Wall'

David Leo Rice explores the strange, unseen forces shaping our world.

Matt Levine's Bloomberg Finance Column Makes Money Funny

Matt Levine’s spunky Bloomberg column

Most popular

Eat Your Potatoes Mashed, Boiled or Baked, but Hold the Fries

Baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes are better.

The Latest In Harvard’s Fight with the Trump Administration

Back-and-forth reports on settlement talks, new accusations from the government, and a reshuffling of two federal compliance offices

Why Harvard Needs International Students

Global challenges demand global experiences

Explore More From Current Issue

Four Harvard Medal recipients shown in a side-by-side portrait collage, smiling and dressed in formal or casual attire.

Harvard Medalists

Four people honored for exceptional service to the University

Jack Reardon waves

A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

An illustration of a green leaf being hit by a beam of light and bouncing off the leaf and then becoming a color prisim

Harvard’s Plant Collection Meets Space Science

Light-based analysis of botanical collections link plants to Earth’s changing climate.