The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ Centennial Medal, first awarded in 1989 on the occasion of the school’s hundredth anniversary, honors alumni who have made contributions to society that emerged from their graduate studies. It is the highest honor GSAS bestows, and awardees include some of Harvard’s most accomplished alumni. The 2017 recipients, announced at a ceremony on May 24, are: Russell A. Mittermeier, Ph.D. ’77, a primatologist, herpetologist, and conservation advocate; Sarah P. Morris, Ph.D. ’81, a classicist and archaeologist; Thomas F. Pettigrew, Ph.D. ’56, an expert on racism and intergroup relations; and Richard Sennett, Ph.D. ’69, a sociologist who writes about cities, labor, and culture. For more about the medalists, see harvardmag.com/centennial-17.
Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Centennial Medalists of 2017
Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Centennial Medalists of 2017
Honorands whose contributions to society emerged from graduate study
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences honorees (from left) Russell A. Mittermeier, Sarah P. Morris, Thomas F. Pettigrew, and Richard Sennett
Photograph by Tony Rinaldo/Courtesy of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
You might also like
Ruth J. Simmons Receives the 2026 Radcliffe Medal
Michelle Obama, Drew Gilpin Faust, and others paid tribute to the pioneering educator during Harvard’s Radcliffe Day festivities.
Mychal Threets Brings ‘Library Joy’ to Harvard
The librarian and social media star gave the keynote address for Harvard Graduate School of Education’s convocation.
Affinity Celebrations Continue Outside of Harvard’s Gates
At unofficial ceremonies for minority groups and veterans, speakers comment on politics.
Most popular
Explore More From Current Issue
The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution
Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”
How the American Revolution Freed a Future Abolitionist
Darby Vassall, an enslaved child freed after the Battle of Bunker Hill, dedicated his life to fighting for liberty.
This Harvard-Trained Lawyer Fights for the Rights of Chickens
Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.