Class of 2000 appoints Dara Olmsted Silverstein as chief marshal of alumni

Food sustainability specialist Dara Olmsted Silverstein ’00 will serve as the chief marshal of alumni during this spring’s Harvard Alumni Day festivities, as announced by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA).

Previously, Silverstein spent eight years at the Harvard Office for Sustainability, concentrating on areas such as renewable energy and behavioral change. She also directed Harvard Dining Services’ Food Literacy Initiative — which promotes a comprehensive understanding of food through education on sustainability, nutrition, and culinary skills — facilitating student fellowships and leading initiatives across campus and within the Cambridge community to enable individuals to make better-informed choices.

While residing in Boston, she contributed to the Boston Globe’s Green Blog. She also attained a master’s degree in environmental policy from Tufts University.

Afterward, she held the position of sustainable food program manager at Stanford University’s Residential and Dining Enterprises, where she educated the Stanford community on sustainable food practices and collaborated with faculty and students to foster innovation.

Silverstein served as president of the Nueva School Parent Association and is currently an editor for Kiva, a microfinance non-profit dedicated to increasing financial accessibility for underserved populations. As a devoted philanthropist, she and her spouse established an endowed engineering scholarship at Cornell University and an endowed scholarship at Harvard College.

“Dara’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and her dedication to enhancing the alumni community are truly inspiring. I am thrilled that she will represent alumni as chief marshal on Harvard Alumni Day,” states Moitri Chowdhury Savard ’93, president of the HAA, who will host this year’s Alumni Day program.

Elected by her peers, Silverstein continues a tradition that has existed for over 125 years. As chief marshal, her ceremonial responsibilities entail leading the alumni procession through Tercentenary Theatre on Harvard Alumni Day and hosting a special luncheon for university and alumni leaders, dignitaries, and this year’s Harvard Medal recipients.

A first-generation college graduate, Silverstein focused her studies on social anthropology and served as a tutor in Mather House for four years, both in resident and nonresident roles. She was also honored with the Derek Bok Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching.

An engaged Harvard volunteer and alumni interviewer, she has participated in various capacities for her class, including serving as secretary, treasurer, and co-chair for reunions on five occasions. Silverstein also produces a class newsletter and has hosted virtual events featuring authors, filmmakers, and politicians. Additionally, she has recently initiated a podcast interviewing her classmates in anticipation of their reunion.

An annual global event held by the University to honor alumni contributions, citizenship, and community, Alumni Day coincides with the Harvard and Radcliffe College Reunions.

All alumni are invited to partake in a day full of celebrations in Cambridge on June 6, which will feature the traditional alumni parade through Tercentenary Theatre, guest speakers, symposium sessions, alumni gatherings, and a gathering in the Yard with food trucks and lawn games. For those unable to attend in person, virtual celebrations and local events will be organized worldwide.