Three alumni received the Harvard Medal, for extraordinary service to the University, during the Harvard Alumni Association’s (HAA) annual meeting on Commencement day.
Teresita Alvarez-Bjelland ’76, M.B.A. ’79, followed up her business career by making contributions to the fields of education, cultural exchange, and human rights. The first international woman, and first female Harvard M.B.A., to lead the HAA, she focused on the theme “Harvard Serves.” A past recipient of the Radcliffe Distinguished Service Award, the HAA Award, and the College admissions office’s Hunn Award, she serves on Harvard’s Global Advisory Council and is co-chair of the Cuban Study Program Advisory Group.
Charismatic and committed volunteer leader with boundless enthusiasm and an extraordinary talent for bringing people together, you have proudly embodied the spirit of one global Harvard, personified a commitment to service, and inspired alumni across schools, generations, and cultures to connect with Harvard and with one another.
Dan H. Fenn Jr. ’44, A.M. ’72, is the College’s longest-serving class secretary, and a former president of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers. He has been assistant dean of freshmen, assistant editor of Harvard Business Review, andeditor of the HBS Alumni Bulletin, andalso worked extensively in state and local government, including as a staff assistant to President John F. Kennedy ’40, LL.D. ’56, and as founding director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Esteemed statesman, dedicated educator, and consummate public servant whose career has spanned the Kennedy White House and the Harvard Kennedy School, you have steadfastly served the University and your class for three-quarters of a century, earning a legacy as a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend to generations of alumni and faculty.
Tamara Elliott Rogers ’74 has been associate dean for advancement and planning at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, associate director of University development, director of University capital projects, director of major gifts for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, director of international admissions, and vice president for alumni affairs and development. The longtime member of the Committee for the Happy Observance of Commencement has also volunteered on her class-reunion and class-gift committees.
From Radcliffe College student to Radcliffe Institute pioneer to Harvard Campaign pacesetter, you have devoted your life to the advancement of the University’s foundational values through volunteerism and philanthropy, leading a broad coalition of alumni, donors, and staff with wisdom, creativity, warmth—and just the right balance of chutzpah and humility.
