Thursday, June 4
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Check-in at Headquarters
Cabot Library, Science Center
Please come to headquarters to check in when you arrive on campus. You will receive your name badge and additional Reunion materials.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Holworthy Tent
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Class Meeting and Survey
Science Center B
The Quinquenial, all about us, 55th Reunion Survey will be presented by the survey committee following a brief class meeting. The survey has been completed by over 350 classmates who share their data as well as their thoughts on life, family, friendship, careers, politics, Harvard and spirituality. Be prepared to be inspired and entertained by the wit and wisdom of your classmates as comments will enrich the key data presented at this session.
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Class Luncheon
PBH Tent
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Memorial Service
Memorial Church
*Memorial Service Rehearsal 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
There are three concurrent sessions from 3:30-5:30pm, please pick one of the following programs to attend
1. The State of Harvard Athletics and Where do we go From Here?
Science Center B
Participating on our Star-studded panel will be Erin McDermott (Athletic Director), Andy Aurich (Football), Gerry Byrne (Lacrosse), Carrie Moore (Women’s Basketball), and Daria Schneider (Men’s & Women’s Fencing).
Topics of interest will be (a) the future of recruited athletes, (b) the world of NIL and post-graduate eligibility, (c) current status of women in sport at Harvard, (d) post season competition, (e) Harvard/Yale/Fenway Park, (f) Soldiers' Field Redevelopment plans, and (g) whatever else might come up in questions.
2. Soup, Soil, and Sanity
Science Center Classroom 309
“The small rituals of daily life—making dinner, tending the garden, reading to children—are what keep civilization going when the larger world seems to have gone mad.” --- Adam Gopnik
The small rituals of cooking and gardening may have been lifelong passions for some of us; for others, they’ve been discovered late in life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, come share your discoveries and experiences. What are your successes in the kitchen and/or garden? What works for you? What would you never try again? Chefs from our class as well as gardening experts like Jeff Lowenfels ’71 and community gardener Helen Snively ’71 will start the discussion on these small rituals that can be so important.
3. Is This How Universities Die?
Science Center C
Harvard’s principled resistance to assaults on its academic freedom and institutional autonomy has affirmed the university’s world-leadership as nothing else could. Cambridge, 2026, is not (yet) Berlin, 1933, or Beijing, 1950, but Trump's attacks are no less dangerous. Fortunately, America retains an independent judiciary and the rule-of-law. And it has, in Harvard, a powerful institution with the history, will and resources to resist. But if Harvard fails, we may witness the destruction of the singular realm—higher education—in which the U.S. is foremost. If American universities remain the envy of the world in 2026, the question must be: For how long?
Panelists include:
- Richard Fisher '71: former Harvard Overseer; former President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
- Deb Fallows '71: author, linguist
- Jim Fallows '70: writer, journalist
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Clambake Dinner
Matthews Tent
