Commencement | June 8, 2017

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Centennial Medalists of 2017

Honorands whose contributions to society emerged from graduate study

From The July-August 2017 Issue

**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

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.

Published in the July-August 2017 print issue under the headline “Centennial Medalists,” in the Alumni section.

You might also like

Smiling astronaut in blue jumpsuit speaking at a podium, colorful background.

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks on Alumni Day.

Older woman in a white outfit with a cane and red sash, alongside an elderly man in a gray suit holding a sign.

Harvard Honors Its Oldest Alumni

At 97 and 101, Linda Cabot Black ’51 and William “Bill” Dubey ’46 led the way on Alumni Day.

A woman in a pink blazer smiles while seated on stage at a Harvard event.

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.

Most popular

Historic building entrance featuring tall columns and a rounded arch doorway.

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Two mounted pheasants displayed on a stand against a gray background.

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

The two birds will be on display at Harvard this summer.

Explore More From Current Issue

Undergraduate Column

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Arts & Culture

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

Racing driver gives a thumbs up from inside a car, wearing a helmet and safety gear.

Alumni Profiles

Harvard graduate and NASCAR racer Patrick Staropoli on pedals, attention, and fearlessness.