Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 2018 Centennial Medalists

Contributions to society from graduate research

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences honorands (from left) Choon Fong Shih, Harold Luft, Beth Adelson, and Guido Goldman | Photograph courtesy of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

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 2018 recipients, announced at a ceremony on May 23, are: Beth Adelson, A.M. ’81, Ph.D. ’83, a cognitive scientist; Guido Goldman, ’59, Ph.D. ’70, founding director of Harvard’s Center for European Studies; Harold Luft ’68, Ph.D. ’73, an expert in healthcare economics and policy; and Choon Fong Shih, S.M. ’70, Ph.D. ’73, an applied mathematician who specializes in fracture mechanics. For more about the honorands, see harvardmag.com/centennial-18.

You might also like

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

David Battat promotes alumni engagement.

Most popular

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

The division is launching a new fundraising effort to support 50 additional students.

Why Some Citizens Reject Science

Bridging the gulf to science deniers

Explore More From Current Issue

A football player in a white jersey evades a defender in a green uniform on the field.

Despite personnel losses, Crimson captain Xaviah Bascon is upbeat about the 2026 season.

Two laboratory researchers, one seated and one standing, in a scientific lab with equipment.

The stakes are high for this husband and wife: one of them will die if they don’t find a cure.

A woman with long, wavy hair wearing a white suit, seated in a bright, modern room.

The Harvard graduate’s roundtable talk show touches on hot button issues from religion to sex.