Aloian Memorial Scholars

Enriching life at the Houses 

Head shots of smiling Aloian Scholars

Fariba Mahmud and Courtney Rabb

Photographs courtesy of the Harvard Alumni Association

The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) has named Fariba Mahmud ’22, of Winthrop House, and Courtney Rabb ’22, of Eliot House, as the 2021 David and Mimi Aloian Memorial Scholars for thoughtful leadership and enriching the quality of life in their Houses.

House Committee leader Mahmud, of St. George, Utah, has been the driving force behind Winthrop’s anti-racism advocacy, creating the ThropDates and Lion Buddies programs, along with activities that support the Black Lives Matter movement. Beyond House life, Mahmud also served as co-president of the South Asian Association and community outreach intern for the Harvard College Women’s Center.

Rabb, of Morgantown, West Virginia, co-chairs the House Committee and has fostered a sense of community through activities that include: coordinating a Housing Day video, creating the Big Sibling-Little Sibling program, and helping to lead an Eliot Faculty Roundtable and initiate a fundraising campaign for the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition, Rabb has served as treasurer of the All House Committee, peer adviser for the applied mathematics concentration, and as a member of the women’s rugby team.

You might also like

Phi Beta Kappa Speakers Call Out a ‘Deeply Troubling’ Moment

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow and poet Meghan O’Rourke urge graduates to focus on character and “radical attention.”

‘Effort Still Matters’ in AI Age, Garber Tells Harvard Graduates

In his Baccalaureate address, the University president urged a mindful—yet open—approach to the technology.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Harvard 2026 Commencement Photo Album

A gallery of photographs from the Commencement celebration for the class of 2026

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

A man holding a revolver and lantern, wearing a hat and coat, appears to be walking cautiously.

Scoundrels, Then and Now

On con men, Mark Twain, and the powers of the Harvard name

Historical battle scene with soldiers in red and blue uniforms, flags waving, chaotic action.

The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution

Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”