Harvard 2012 alumni gifts break records

New records are announced on Commencement afternoon.

The thirty-fifth-reunion class of 1977 broke the all-time reunion-gift record by raising “an extraordinary $68.7 million” in contributions as of May 23, reported University Treasurer James F. Rothenberg ’68, M.B.A. ’70, during the HAA’s annual meeting. “That number even makes the president of Harvard smile a little bit,” he joked at the podium. “And, by the way, there are still five weeks remaining in their campaign.”

Other reunion classes also did well. The class of 1962, celebrating its fiftieth reunion, is poised to reach its class gifts and participation goals, and the class of 1987, celebrating its twenty-fifth reunion, “is on track to exceed three goals: total gift, immediate use, and participation,” Rothenberg said. The University declined to release exact figures for these classes, and for the senior class gift.

All alumni fundraisers were publicly thanked for their hard work, with a special nod to Paul Weissman ’52, who has chaired his class’s reunion-gift committee for 60 consecutive years—another Harvard all-time record.

Related topics

You might also like

Harvard Alumni Win Two 2026 Nobel Prizes

Karl Deisseroth revolutionized neuroscience. Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has adjudicated cases in international courts concerning genocide.

They Might Be (Harvard) Giants

Two tales of University greats—and an encounter with a Tiger

These Harvard Graduates Are Candidates for Sainthood

For advocacy and benevolence, three late alumni are reportedly in line for the Catholic Church’s highest honor.

Most popular

Harvard Stabilizes Finances With Strong Endowment Returns, Philanthropy

Small operating surplus is dwarfed by reduced federal research support and endowment tax liabilities.

How Philosophy at Harvard Saved Itself

As humanities shrink across higher education, one department is flourishing. Is its success a fluke, or a roadmap?

Treat AI Like a New Species, Harvard Scientist Says

Joshua Joseph discusses how society can manage and coexist alongside self-governing AI agents.

Explore More From Current Issue

Two fans celebrate in front of a TV showing a football game.

Researchers at Harvard Kennedy School say yes.

Colorful illustration of a split-level house showing various activities in different rooms.

Can the College do more to prepare students for the real world?

Bronze statue of a seated figure holding a book, with a campus setting in the background.

As humanities shrink across higher education, one department is flourishing. Is its success a fluke, or a roadmap?