As an undergraduate at Harvard College, Alfred Lin AB ’94 audited the legendary course “Justice,” then taught by Michael Sandel, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government, and Harvey Mansfield AB ’53, PhD ’61, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Government emeritus. More than 30 years later, Lin still remembers how the two professors respectfully argued opposing political views on controversial topics in an effort to find truth.
“They would argue the extreme sides. They were never disagreeable, and they would always make you think,” he says. “We modeled what we learned about social discourse in ‘Justice’ or other classes when we were just talking around the table at Quincy Grille.”
Seeking to foster more constructive and respectful dialogue, Alfred and his wife, Rebecca
AB ’94, recently endowed two professorships in civil discourse in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). As part of a wider donation supporting critical areas of work within the FAS, the couple’s gift also supports a new professorship in artificial intelligence at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and provides funding for Edgerley Family Dean of the FAS Hopi Hoekstra to advance her vision for generative AI in the FAS.
While at Harvard, Alfred studied applied mathematics and Rebecca concentrated in physics. Earlier gifts from the couple supported financial aid for undergraduates pursuing applied sciences and engineering. Their interest in advancing computer science and artificial intelligence is reflected in their new gift, which aims to support the growing importance of integrating generative AI tools into teaching and learning.
The gift, in celebration of the Lins’ 30th Harvard College Reunion, marks a continuation of their commitment to the University, which stretches over three decades.
“Alfred and I believe in supporting Harvard when times are challenging, and we want to help during those times,” Rebecca says.
“We came to Harvard with strong values. Some of those values were challenged, some of them were reaffirmed, and we believe that it continues to be a special place where dialogue moves important ideas forward.”
— ALFRED LIN AB ’94
“We came to Harvard with strong values. Some of those values were challenged, some of them were reaffirmed, and we believe that it continues to be a special place where dialogue moves important ideas forward,” Alfred says.
The Alfred and Rebecca Lin Professor of Civil Discourse will recognize, for a five-year term, faculty who have made significant contributions to fostering students’ ability to engage in meaningful dialogue through teaching, advising, or mentoring. The second Lin professorship will support a faculty member whose research and teaching focus on civil discourse and dialogue, ethics, academic freedom, and freedom of speech. The Lins hope their gift will help support an environment where people can “disagree and not be disagreeable.”
“Harvard students often strive to do ‘both/and’ rather than settling for ‘either/or.’ Alfred and Rebecca have demonstrated that spirit of possibility beautifully with their latest act of generosity,” says President Alan M. Garber AB ’77, PhD ’82. “By dedicating their support to civil discourse and artificial intelligence, they are both strengthening the foundation of our campus culture and pushing the boundaries of our teaching practices. Progress in these two areas is fundamental to our future as a university. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Lins and their vote of confidence in Harvard.”
The gift dovetails with the findings of a recent report by the University’s Open Inquiry and Constructive Dialogue Working Group, with recommendations to promote robust discussion inside and outside the classroom. Hoekstra launched the Civil Discourse Initiative at the FAS in 2023, and undergraduates are engaged with the Intellectual Vitality Initiative, both of which promote constructive conversations within Harvard College.
“Alfred and Rebecca’s support will help foster the practice and study of civil discourse in our classrooms and on our campus, as well as advance innovation and discovery in AI,” says Hoekstra. “Their formative experience as students and enduring commitment to Harvard is evident in this inspiring gift.”
The Lins’ gift also builds upon a family legacy. Alfred and his brother, Edwin Lin AB ’97, recently made a joint gift to establish an undergraduate scholarship fund at Harvard named for their mother, Shu-Nuan.