Alumni & People

curation of alumni people, faculty and student profiles

Conan O’Brien in a dark suit and light shirt, smiling and posing with hands clasped.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

by Schuyler Velasco

Portrait photos of HAA Award winners

2020 HAA Award winners

Six alumni are honored for significant volunteer service.

In Harvard Yard, workers unload gigantic heads of lettuce and other greens from a truck prominently labeled United Farm Workers as students celebrate the University's decision to support the union workers by buying only UFW-certified produce.

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Harvard Alumni Association 2020 elected directors

The Alumni Association’s new elected directors

Detail of a handwritten page from suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s journal, used as an example of the kinds of manuscripts volunteers are transcribing for Harvard libraries and archives.

Harvard libraries welcome volunteers’ help with historical manuscripts

Volunteer transcribers help make Harvard library documents accessible.

by Diane E. Booton

Historic photograph of Charles Follen Cabot, Civil War soldier, standing, in uniform

Civil War image, Empire State homage, and more

A Civil War image and an Empire State Building homage

by Primus VI

Drawing of a college student seated at her desk in her bedroom at home, looking at images of friends on her computer screen. On the desk are a book and a bowl of salad, reflecting recommendations made by friends previously.

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus.

by Meena Venkataramanan

An illustration showing a teacher sitting on an enormous open book with students on screens hovering around her, some raising their hands to ask questions

Harvard College gets its courses online

Students, faculty, and staff adjust to a changed landscape.

by Jacob Sweet

Ross Douthat standing in a wooded park

Ross Douthat’s conservative conservatism, a profile by Lydialyle Gibson

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat’s journey through American decadence and upheaval

by Lydialyle Gibson

Portrait photograph of a middle-aged Lorenzo Tañada as a Philippine senator

Lorenzo Tañada

Brief life of a Philippine patriot: 1898-1992

by Christopher Capozzola

A California hillside burns

Can solar geoengineering slow climate change?

Coming to terms with climate change’s relentless, long-term fallout

by Jonathan Shaw