Identifying and recognizing future volunteers is one of the most important responsibilities of HAA volunteer leaders. Below is information about various volunteer leadership roles in the HAA and the University as well as information about HAA recognition programs. For more information on any of these programs, please reach out to HAA team members at haa_volunteerleadership@harvard.edu.
Nominations for Committee Membership
HAA Executive Committee
The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) Board of Directors, under the leadership of the Executive Committee and the executive director, empowers volunteers to strengthen the Harvard alumni community. The HAA Board guides the fostering of alumni community building, creating University citizens of alumni and alumni volunteers. Our work focuses on developing volunteer leadership by increasing and deepening alumni engagement through an array of programs that support alumni communities worldwide. The HAA is funded by, and not independent of, the University.
The Executive Committee is a nexus between Harvard University and its volunteer alumni community and has oversight of the HAA Board of Directors in partnership with the HAA staff. The current president, four vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer of the HAA; the two most recent past HAA presidents; and four at-large members make up the Executive Committee.
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for the 2025-2026 Executive Committee slate, please submit your nomination(s) by December 3, 2024.
HAA Committee to Nominate Overseers and Elected Directors
The alumni-led Harvard Alumni Association Board Committee to Nominate Overseers and Elected Directors (Nominating Committee) is responsible for developing and presenting nominees both for the Harvard Board of Overseers and for Elected Directors of the HAA. The Nominating Committee’s voting members include ten alumni of varied backgrounds and experience elected by the HAA Executive Committee and three current or recent members of the Harvard Board of Overseers.
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for membership on the 2025-2026 Nominating Committee, please submit your nomination(s) by December 3, 2024.
HAA Awards Committee
The Awards Committee is made up of 10 alumni who are tasked each year with selecting three Harvard Medalists (honored at Harvard Alumni Day) and six HAA Award winners (celebrated at a board meeting).
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for membership on the 2025-2026 Awards Committee, please submit your nomination(s) by December 3, 2024.
Nominations for Candidates for Awards
Harvard Medal
First awarded in 1981 and presented each year at Harvard Alumni Day, the purpose of the Harvard Medal is to recognize extraordinary service to Harvard University. This service can be made in many different areas of university life, including teaching, fundraising, administration, management, generosity, leadership, and innovation.
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for the 2025 Harvard Medal, please submit your nomination(s) by September 1, 2024.
HAA Alumni Award
The HAA Alumni Award, first awarded in 1990, and presented at a meeting of the HAA Board of Directors, recognizes service to Harvard University through alumni activities and encourages continued commitment to Harvard in the future. Service may be reflective of significant participation and commitment to a Harvard Club or Shared Interest Group, a College Class, a Graduate or Professional School, fundraising efforts, and other organizations and alumni activities.
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for the 2025 HAA Alumni Award, please submit your nomination(s) by November 17, 2024.
Nominations for Harvard Overseers and HAA Elected Directors
Learn more about the Board of Overseers here: Board of Overseers | Harvard Elections
Learn more about the HAA Board of Directors here: HAA Board of Directors | Harvard Elections
The HAA encourages and welcomes nominations of candidates for Harvard Overseer and HAA elected director by the alumni body.
Nominations are welcome at any time. However, to be considered for the 2026 slate for Harvard Overseer or HAA Elected Director, please submit your nomination(s) by May 31, 2025.