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 theatrical reenactment explores a 1976 clash between science and democracy.

Until the 1950s, professionals cleaned up after students in the dorms.

Nobel Prize recipient Joseph E. Murray dedicated much of his career to organ transplant surgery.

Most popular

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

The former economics concentrator brings his talent for crunching numbers to netminding.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Explore More From Current Issue

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

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

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

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

Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way arching over a rocky silhouette.

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.