Every year, Harvard hands out its highest honor to alumni who've gone above and beyond. This year, three individuals — Thomas A. Dingman, Deborah Kaufman Goldfine, and Walter H. Morris Jr. — are getting the Harvard Medal for their truly exceptional service. Because apparently, just graduating from Harvard isn't quite enough; some people just keep giving.
The medals will be presented on Harvard Alumni Day, June 5th, continuing a tradition that kicked off in 1981. It's for the folks who've shown leadership, fundraising prowess, teaching chops, innovation, management skills, or just plain old volunteer spirit for the university. Basically, if you've done anything significant for Harvard that isn't directly related to getting a degree, you're in the running. Alumni, former staff, and even members of related organizations can be considered. Let's meet the new inductees.
The Freshman Whisperer: Thomas A. Dingman
Thomas A. Dingman, a double alum from '67 and '73, has been such a fixture at Harvard for 45 years, it's a wonder they didn't just give him a permanent office in the Yard. Known for his "kind and energetic spirit," he basically shaped the undergraduate experience for generations.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxFor 13 years, he was the dean of freshmen, which, if you think about it, is a bit like herding very smart, very anxious cats. His mission? Make sure first-years felt like they belonged. He'd often be spotted breaking bread with students in Annenberg Hall or strolling through the Yard in his famously bright red jacket. Because nothing says "welcome to Harvard" like a dean in a vibrant primary color.
He even started some College traditions, like Convocation (the official welcome) and the "Reflecting on Your Life" program, which encourages students to ponder the bigger questions. You know, beyond "where's my next coffee?" After retiring in 2018, he kept advising the dean and even helped plan those post-pandemic, in-person Commencements for the classes of 2020 and 2021. Because some legends never truly leave.
The Athletic Alumna: Deborah Kaufman Goldfine
Deborah Kaufman Goldfine, class of '85, has spent decades proving that her dedication didn't end with her three-time captaincy of the women's tennis team. She's been a relentless volunteer and donor, particularly focused on Harvard athletics and keeping alumni engaged. If there's a women's tennis event at Harvard, chances are she's either running it, funding it, or cheering loudly from the sidelines.
She was instrumental in the Harvard Radcliffe Foundation for Women’s Athletics and co-chaired the Friends of Harvard Tennis. In 2024, she spearheaded the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Harvard Women’s Tennis, an event that not only reconnected countless alumnae but also raised over $1 million. Let that satisfying number sink in.
Beyond the courts, she's co-chaired every class reunion since her 10th and volunteered for the Harvard College Fund for 35 years. For two decades, she co-chaired the Schools and Scholarships Committee in Newton, Massachusetts, interviewing countless College applicants and mentoring students. Basically, if you applied to Harvard from Newton, you probably owe her a thank-you note.
The Global Connector: Walter H. Morris Jr.
Walter H. Morris Jr., a '73 and '75 alum, has dedicated himself to making sure Harvard alumni, no matter where they are, still feel connected. As HAA president from 2008 to 2009, he championed the idea of "clubs without walls," expanding Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) from 21 to 30. He also launched the first Global Networking Night, an annual event that brings thousands of alumni together. Because even Harvard grads need a reason to network.
Morris is a big believer in lifelong learning, often returning to Harvard for lectures, which, if you think about it, is a pretty strong endorsement for the university's enduring appeal. He's been involved with the HAA since 1995, serving in various roles, including chair of the HAA Awards Committee and on his College reunion committees.
He's also an active member of the Harvard Black Alumni Society and the HBS African-American Alumni Association, and has held leadership roles with the Harvard Club of Washington, D.C. Before all this alumni-connecting wizardry, he was a banker and a principal at Ernst & Young LLP. Because fostering global alumni connections sometimes requires a solid financial background.
Nominations for the 2027 Harvard Medal are open until June 30, 2026. So, if you know someone who's been quietly (or not so quietly) keeping Harvard running, now's your chance to put them in the spotlight. Just don't forget the bright red jacket.
