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
George Barner ’29, the oldest class representative

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

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.

This TikTok Artist Combines Monsters and Mental Heath

Ava Jinying Salzman’s artwork helps people process difficult feelings.

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

A conversation with the former Navy SEAL and gold-medal-winning Paralympic skier

Most popular

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

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

A busy hallway with diverse people carrying items, engaging in conversation and activities.

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever

A silhouette of a person stands before glowing domes in a red, rocky landscape at sunset.

Getting to Mars (for Real)

Humans have been dreaming of living on the Red Planet for decades. Harvard researchers are on the case.

A jubilant graduate shouts into a megaphone, surrounded by a cheering crowd.

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.