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.

Mount Vernon, Historic Preservation, and American Politics

Anne Neal Petri promotes George Washington and historic literacy.

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?

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

12,000 Harvard Alumni File Amicus Brief in Funding Freeze Lawsuit

Alumni from every Harvard school and class since 1950 rally behind the University.

Explore More From Current Issue

A bald man in a black shirt with two book covers beside him, one titled "The Magicians" and the other "The Bright Sword."

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

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

A man skiing intensely in the snow, with two spectators in the background.

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

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

An image depicting high carb ultra processed foods, those which are often associated with health risks

Is Ultraprocessed Food Really That Bad?

A Harvard professor challenges conventional wisdom.