Farewell

Remembering Henry Rosovsky

Henry Rosovsky

Henry Rosovsky

Photograph by Jim Harrison

Henry Rosovsky, JF ’57, Ph.D. ’59, LL.D. ’98, was an exemplary Harvard citizen, a towering intellect, and—unusually in combination with those attributes—a brilliant leader and administrator. Geyser University Professor and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences emeritus, former acting president and past member of the Corporation, Rosovsky concluded his Harvard service with the last and least of his formal roles (but the most important to us) as president of the Harvard Magazine Inc. Board of Directors from 2006 to 2015. When we erred, he told us so, and how to make things right. When the magazine was misunderstood, he outlined what he could and would do to remedy the problem—and he did. Always, he was curious, widely informed about history and culture, wise about human nature, witty, and a great gossip. We deeply mourn his death November 11, at age 95.

We titled our tribute, in the January-February 2016 issue, “Henry the Great.” That is one thing we’re proud to have gotten exactly right. —The Editors

Related topics

You might also like

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.

The Costly Choice Native Americans Faced

How the Revolution reshaped indigenous New England

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.

Most popular

AI Outperforms Doctors in Emergency Room Tasks, New Harvard Study Shows

Researchers say the technology could help physicians with triage, diagnosis.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

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

Explore More From Current Issue

Katie Benzan stands on a basketball court holding a ball, with a hoop in the background.

How Women Are Changing the NBA

From coaching staffs to front offices, female leaders are bringing new strategies to men’s basketball.

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.

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