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.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Explore More From Current Issue

Four stylized magnifying glasses arranged in a gradient background with abstract patterns.

AI Hunts For Stolen Harvard Coins

A museum curator and a computer scientist track down ancient coins taken in a legendary heist.

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

Brick archway with a sandy base, surrounded by wooden planks and boxes in a dim space.

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.