The senior members of Harvard and Radcliffe on Commencement day

The senior members of Harvard and Radcliffe on Commencement day

From left: Lillian (Sher) Sugarman and Donald F. Brown

From left: Lillian (Sher) Sugarman and Donald F. Brown | Photographs by Jim Harrison

George Barner ’29, the oldest class representative

George Barner ’29, the oldest class representative | Photograph by Jim Harrison

The senior members of Harvard and Radcliffe present on Commencement day, and recognized in the afternoon ceremony, were Lillian (Sher) Sugarman ’37, 97, of Swampscott, Massachusetts; and 104-year-old Donald F. Brown ’30 of Stow, Massachusetts. The oldest class representative to attend was 104-year-old George Barner ’29 of Kennebunk, Maine. Sugarman said she has always enjoyed the excitement of Commencement, and used to come with her Radcliffe friends. This year, “I came to see Oprah,” she added, “and to enjoy the day with my grandson,” Peter S. Cahn ’96, RI ’09 (whose father is Arthur S. Cahn ’60). “It was a wave of unexpected attention for her; she was really overjoyed,” Cahn reported. “I was going to walk with my class—but it was much more fun to walk with her.”

According to Harvard records, the oldest alumni also include: Edith M. Van Saun ’29, 106, of Sykesville, Maryland; Frances Pass Adelson ’30, 104, of Coral Springs, Florida; Evelyn Sigel Baer ’30, 103, of Montpelier, Vermont; Mary Anglemyer ’31, 103, of Medford, New Jersey; Erhart R. Muller ’32, 103, of Harvard, Massachusetts; Louise J. Wells ’32, 103, of Harwich, Massachusetts; Alice E. Rockett ’32, 101, of Gulfport, Florida; Edward Lane ’33, 101, of Canton, Massachusetts; George F. Bennett ’33, 101, of Hingham, Massachusetts; and Helena W. Phillips ’33, 101, of West Palm Beach.

Related topics

You might also like

The Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum reunites for a 50th anniversary tour around France.

He was Harvard’s quintessential people person.

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

Most popular

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Harvard’s Class of 2029 Reflects Shifts in Racial Makeup After Affirmative Action Ends

International students continue to enroll amid political uncertainty; mandatory SATs lead to a drop in applications.

Explore More From Current Issue

Label showing the anatomy of a worker bee, featuring a detailed illustration.

Science and art capture the microscopic natural world.

A profile illustration of a man surrounded by colorful, whimsical text in multiple languages.

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.