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

Illustration of a woman in a lab coat studying shadows cast by vials of blood, each shadow a readout indicating the presence of a past exposure to a specific pathogen.

Harvard’s VirScan exposes viral vulnerabilities

A serological test may reveal the COVID-19 virus’s weaknesses—and expose its strategic decoys.

by Bennett McIntosh

2020 Harvard Cambridge Scholars

Headed to the other Cambridge  

Photograph of Martin Baron

Harvard Commencement 2020

Details of the virtual degree-conferral ceremonies

by John S. Rosenberg

Photos of three Harvard Medalists

2020 Harvard Medalists

For extraordinary service to the University

Pictured are Stephen Cook, Albert Fishlow, Helen Vendler, and Margaret Kivelson

2020 GSAS Centennial Medalists

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ honorands

Photograph of Melissa Dell

Harvard Portrait: Melissa Dell

“In the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, people in academic institutions like Harvard predominantly studied the U.S. and Europe,” says the development economist.

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Photograph of Nelson Mandela receiving honorary degree and University Marshal Rick Hunt

Dr. Fauci, social distance, and a campus without people

Campus and Commencement without people, social distance, Dr. Fauci, and a meaningful password

by Primus VI

Harvard fall coronavirus decisions

The factors influencing the fall semester—and beyond

by John S. Rosenberg

image of a girl in a dark space looking upward as her flashlight illuminates a verdant space ahead

The Undergraduate faces life without handrails

The Undergraduate faces up to a postgraduate life without handrails.

by Julie Chung

Georgina Milne flies through the air, flipping toward the water.

Profile of Harvard diver Georgina Milne

Diver Georgina Milne pictures a post-pandemic return.

by Jacob Sweet