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

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

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

Graduates John Lithgow, Bill Rauch, and Bess Wohl took home prizes on Sunday night.

Harvard graduate and NASCAR racer Patrick Staropoli on pedals, attention, and fearlessness.

Singer Elisa Smith’s whiskey-soaked voice and subversive feminism is part of the genre’s urban shift.

Most popular

The former economics concentrator brings his talent for crunching numbers to netminding.

Pritzker Hall, designed for collaboration, should be complete in 2027.

Harvard will rename the building following a $100 million gift from Stuart Zimmer ’91.

Explore More From Current Issue

Graduates in caps and gowns celebrate joyfully, raising their hands in excitement.

Conan O’Brien headlines a star-studded cast

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.

Five individuals are posed in a monochrome outdoor setting near a cinderblock building, some standing, some seated.

Photographer and writer Morgan Smith chronicles life beyond the violence in Ciudad Juárez and other Mexican towns.