Harvard Medal

The principal objective of the Harvard Medal is to recognize extraordinary service to Harvard University. Extraordinary service can be in as many different areas of University life as can be imagined, including teaching, fundraising, administration, management, generosity, leadership, and innovation.

The following kinds of people may serve as examples of those especially eligible for consideration for the Harvard Medal:

  • Alumni/ae of Harvard University or Radcliffe College
  • Former Overseers, members of the Harvard Corporation, or Radcliffe Trustees
  • Former members of the staff or faculty of the University
  • Members of organizations affiliated with the University such as the HAA, graduate and professional School alumni associations, Visiting Committees, or support groups for Harvard institutions such as the museums or sports teams

The following shall not normally be considered for the Harvard Medal:

  • An active member of the governing boards, faculty, or staff
  • An individual on the occasion of his or her retirement
  • A deceased person

If a candidate has previously received an honorary degree, consideration will be given to total service over the years, with emphasis on service after receipt of the honorary degree. Potential receipt of an honorary degree from the University shall be irrelevant in consideration of a nominee for an award. A review of nominations by the Harvard Corporation each year will safeguard against a person receiving both honors in the same year.

Nominations

The appointed chair of the Committee on Alumni Awards, along with the HAA staff liaison, requests nominations for the recipients of the Harvard Medal. Please complete the HAA Medal online nomination form here. Nominations received each year will be carried over to the next year automatically. Each nomination shall be reviewed every three years to determine whether it merits continued consideration.

View past Harvard Medal recipients

Read Harvard Gazette article announcing 2023 Harvard Medal recipients 

HAA Alumni Award

The HAA Alumni Award recognizes service to Harvard University through alumni activities and encourages continued commitment to Harvard in the future. This may be reflected in significant commitment to a Club or SIG, Schools and Scholarships Committee, Class, Fund, or other activity substantially benefiting Harvard University. Alumni of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, the graduate and professional Schools, and the Extension School who have significantly contributed to the University through alumni activities are eligible.

Persons not eligible for the HAA Award include current members of the governing boards, faculty, staff, or deceased persons. Normally persons who have received an honorary degree or the Harvard Medal are also ineligible.

Up to six awards may be made each year, except in special anniversary years. The awards will be presented at an official meeting of the HAA apart from Commencement or at another occasion appropriate considering the service of the recipients. For each recipient, a citation will be read and an award commemorating the devoted service to Harvard will be bestowed.

Nominations

The appointed chair of the Committee on Alumni Awards, along with the HAA staff liaison, requests nominations for the recipients of the HAA Alumni Award. Please complete the HAA Alumni Award online nomination form here. Nominations received in a given year shall be carried over to the next year automatically. Each nomination shall be reviewed every three years to determine whether it merits continued consideration.

View past HAA Award recipients

Read Harvard Gazette article announcing 2023 HAA Award recipients 

Club and SIG Committee Awards

The HAA Clubs & SIGs Committee Awards honor individuals and organizations with the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award and Outstanding Alumni Community Award. Given out annually, these awards recognize individuals who provide exemplary contributions to a Harvard Club or SIG, as well as organizations that make an impact with remarkable programming. They not only showcase exceptional service but also symbolize and encourage an ongoing commitment to excellence in the alumni community.

Awardees are nominated by their peers, with fellow volunteers contributing testimonials that speak to the tireless leadership and impact of these contributing individuals and organizations. Awards are awarded at the Alumni Leadership Conference (ALC) in October.

Harvard College Fund Awards

Every year the Harvard College Fund (HCF) honors volunteer leaders who have distinguished themselves in their fundraising efforts. Awards are presented at Assembly each fall.

Learn more about the HCF awards

Contact Us

Need to get in touch with the Harvard Alumni Association?

Call or Email

You can reach us by phone at 800-823-2478 or 617-496-0559 (M–F, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. [ET]) or by email at haa_alumnihelp@harvard.edu.

Email the HAA

Alumni Help Desk

You can reach the HAA Online Help Desk by filling out the HAA Help Desk contact form.

Go to Help Desk Form