Henry Rosovsky Memorial Service May 31

President Bacow invites the community to remember a Harvard giant.

Memorial Church

Memorial Church, where the service will be held | Photograph by Niko Yaitanes/Harvard Magazine

President Lawrence S. Bacow has invited the Harvard community to remember and celebrate Henry Rosovsky, who died last November.

Rosovsky, JF ’57, Ph.D. ’59, LL.D. ’98, an exemplary Harvard citizen and a towering intellect, was Geyser University Professor and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences emeritus, former acting president, and a past member of the Corporation. In his invitation to the community, President Bacow wrote:

Henry Rosovsky changed each of us as he did Fair Harvard—with clarity, passion, wit, and wisdom. 

Let us gather together for a celebration of his life at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, in Memorial Church. Reception to follow at the Harvard Faculty Club.

Those who wish to attend can RSVP by emailing opp_events@harvard.edu with the subject line, Remembering Henry Rosovsky. The event will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

For further information on his life and services, read the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ memorial—presented at the May 2 faculty meeting and composed by President Emeritus Derek C. Bok (whom Rosovsky served as dean); Fletcher University Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.; Goelet professor of medieval history Michael McCormick; and Maier professor of political economy Benjamin M. Friedman. In a tribute titled “Henry the Great,” this magazine recognized Rosovsky’s invaluable service and counsel as president of the Harvard Magazine Inc. Board of Directors from 2006 through 2015. He also helped anchor “Governing Harvard,” a 2006 Harvard Magazine roundtable on University governance.

Read more articles by John S. Rosenberg

You might also like

Three Harvard Alumni and a Former Postdoc Named MacArthur Fellows

A labor economist, an organic chemist, a physicist, and a memory researcher were honored with 2026 “genius” grants.

Harvard Graduate Students Union Begins Strike Authorization Vote

Amid contract negotations, two unions are discussing a joint walkout this fall.

At Harvard’s IOP, Two Views of Diversity Get a Hearing

Professor Cornell William Brooks and Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts hold a lively debate on DEI and Project 2025.

Most popular

Crimson Football: Harvard 14, Brown 10

Xaden Benson’s “helmet trick” was the decisive factor in the Ivy opener.

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

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

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Explore More From Current Issue

Runners compete on a track, with a Harvard athlete in the foreground and others behind.

After a historic 2025-26 season, athletes eye NCAA championships.

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.

Modern building with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery and pedestrians.

A roundup of University news from the summer of 2026