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

A Forgotten Harvard Anthem

Published the year the Titanic sank, “Harvard’s Best” is a quizzical ode to the University.

Highlights from Harvard’s Past

The rise of Cambridge cyclists, a lettuce boycott, and Julia Child’s cookbooks

Wadsworth House Nears 300

The building is a microcosm of Harvard’s history—and the history of the United States.

Most popular

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

The Franklin Stove—A Historical Climate Change Adaptation

Historian Joyce E. Chaplin reinterprets an early era of invention, industrialization, and climate challenge

What Trump Means for John Roberts’s Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

Explore More From Current Issue

An axolotl with a pale body and pink frilly gills, looking directly at the viewer.

Regenerative Biology’s Baby Steps

What axolotl salamanders could teach us about limb regrowth

Lawrence H. Summers, looking serious while speaking at a podium with a microphone.

Harvard in the News

Grade inflation, Epstein files fallout, University database breach 

Four young people sitting around a table playing a card game, with a chalkboard in the background.

On Weekends, These Harvard Math Professors Teach the Smaller Set

At Cambridge Math Circle, faculty and alumni share puzzles, riddles, and joy.