‘Who we are and what we uphold’

Countless alumni from various regions converged on campus Friday for Harvard Alumni Day — a yearly gathering honoring alumni from all Harvard Schools and cohorts, celebrating the collective power of their communities. This year’s events coincided with reunions of Harvard and Radcliffe College along with other alumni initiatives across the University, attracting a record-breaking over 9,600 participants. The celebrations featured musical acts, the awarding of the Harvard Medals, and a keynote speech by esteemed surgeon, bestselling writer, and public health figure Atul Gawande, M.D. ’95, M.P.H. ’99.

The main event commenced with the customary alumni procession from the Old Yard to Tercentenary Theatre, led by the chief marshal of alumni Dara Olmsted Silverstein ’00 and the two oldest alumni present, Linda Cabot Black ’51 and Stanley Karson ’48, A.M. ’50.

Following Peter J. Koutoujian, M.P.A. ’03, the sheriff of Middlesex County, initiating the 155th annual session of the Harvard Alumni Association, HAA board president Moitri Chowdhury Savard ’93 addressed the audience, invoking a message she delivered to the College Class of 2024 last spring: to contemplate the plural of the University’s motto, Veritas, and embrace Veritates — the capacity to recognize multiple truths simultaneously to foster connections across differences.

“Today, I am even more convinced that we must bolster this capability to embrace diverse truths and unite around our shared values, especially freedom of thought and expression, along with respect and kindness,” articulated Savard, who will be succeeded by incoming HAA President William Makris, Ed.M. ’00, on July 1.

Highlighting the extraordinary obstacles the University has encountered over the past year, she called on her fellow alumni to persist as “informed, principled advocates” of Harvard and the broader realm of higher education.

Sarah Karmon, executive director of the HAA and associate vice president of alumni relations and development, was the next speaker, expressing her appreciation for the unwavering support and contributions of Harvard’s alumni volunteers. She also specifically thanked those who spearheaded reunion planning and fundraising initiatives for their respective classes this year, noting the Class of 2005’s record-breaking attendance for a 20th reunion.

Karmon concluded by honoring Jack Reardon ’60, associate vice president of University relations, who will retire at the end of the month following over 60 years of service to Harvard. “Every individual in this theater today has benefited from his guidance, wisdom, and profound dedication to his alma mater,” she remarked.

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Alan M. Garber ’76, Ph.D. ’82, who received a prolonged standing ovation, addressed the trials of a challenging year, outlining how the University is striving to tackle valid criticisms while defending itself from distortions and retaliatory measures from the federal authorities.

“Only one aspect of Harvard has endured over 388 years, and it’s not our title; it’s our acceptance of examination, progress, and revitalization,” Garber indicated, emphasizing that the University is grounded in the principle of continuous enhancement to forge a superior institution and world for future generations. “The quest for truth — for Veritas — is ongoing,” Garber reiterated. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to uphold our motto.”

He also commented on the demonstrations of support the University has garnered from alumni, as well as from individuals unaffiliated with Harvard who have advocated for the institution in its endeavor to safeguard academic freedom.

Garber concluded his address with a brief farewell: “May Veritas elevate us and illuminate our path, especially in trying times, allowing Harvard and our fellow institutions to endure and thrive in creating a brighter future — not flawless, but more perfect than the current.”

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After Garber’s address, siblings Danilo “Dacha” Thurber ’25 and Sava Thurber ’27 showcased two pieces — a classic Polish folk song named “Tesknota Za Ojczyzna Marsz” and “Etudes-Caprices Op. 18, No. 4” by Polish composer Henryk Wieniawski — emphasizing that these selections “underline the significance of a global perspective in a community we are privileged to call home.”

Subsequently, Garber awarded this year’s Harvard Medals to Kathy Delaney-Smith, Paul J. Finnegan ’75, M.B.A. ’82, Carolyn Hughes ’54, and David Johnston ’63, who were honored for their remarkable contributions to the University.

In his keynote speech, Gawande, who held the position of assistant administrator for global health at USAID from 2022 to early 2025, criticized recent federal measures that have compromised public health, adversely impacting Harvard and the nation.

Gawande, a general and endocrine surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an educator at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, indicated that the University is facing critical dilemmas. He learned just the week prior that financing was cut for his research center aimed at lowering surgical patient fatalities.

“The conversations have proven challenging, yet the solution was ultimately straightforward,” he remarked, extending his appreciation to Garber and the Corporation for their steadfastness against pressures that jeopardize the principles of education, scholarship, and exploration. Addressing an uncertain future, he conveyed that “it becomes considerably simpler when we possess clarity about our identity and core values.”

The main event concluded with a rendition of “Fair Harvard” performed by alumni members from the Harvard Din & Tonics, Harvard Glee Club, Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, Harvard University Choir, Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, Radcliffe Choral Society, and Radcliffe Pitches. Savard urged attendees to reserve the date for next year’s Harvard Alumni Day — June 5, 2026 — before the audience dispersed to revel in the Yard with outdoor games, photo spots, and food trucks.

Sixteen Harvard Clubs worldwide also organized local festivities for those unable to attend in person. Later that afternoon, various Shared Interest Groups facilitated meetup events on campus and in Cambridge, including a gathering at Charlie’s Kitchen hosted by Harvardwood. Alumni also had the chance to join several Harvard Alumni Day symposia sessions, featuring faculty discussions on Harvard’s global influence, the ongoing efforts of the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, and the initiatives of the Harvard Data Science Initiative to ensure AI benefits society ethically and meaningfully.