Three Alumni to Receive Harvard Medals

Three recipients of 1996 Harvard Medals, given in recognition of extraordinary service to the University, have been selected by the Harvard Alumni Association. Charles F. Adams '32, B '32-34; Robert R. Barker '36; and Amey A. DeFriez '49 will be honored on Commencement afternoon, Thursday, June 6, during the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.

Charles F. Adams, loyal alumnus and steadfast University volunteer for over 50 years, continues to give of his time and energy. At age 86, he serves on Boston's Major Gifts Steering Committee, the executive committee of the Committee on University Resources, and as an active class chairman for the Harvard College Fund. Distinguished and generous service to Harvard runs in the Adams family. Charles F. Adams Sr., Class of 1888, received the predecessor of the Harvard Medal in 1943.

A former Overseer, Adams was an HAA elected director and a member of numerous visiting committees, including the Kennedy School of Government, the Ukrainian Research Institute, the Astronomy Department, the Memorial Church, and the Department of English (chairman).

Robert Barker's record of service to the University has been broad and exemplary. In his modest but efficient way, he has played key leadership roles in both Cambridge and New York City. Whenever asked, Barker has been ready to serve diligently, and with devotion.

Among his many Harvard activities, Barker has been president of the Board of Overseers, member of the Visiting Committee to the Department of Fine Arts and chairman of the Visiting Committee to the Harvard Art Museums, president and vice president of the Harvard Club of New York City, member of the board of directors of the Harvard Management Co., and member of the Overseers and HAA Directors Nominating Committee. The new Center for the Humanities will be named Barker Hall in honor of the Barkers' generosity and commitment to Harvard.

Amey Amory DeFriez led the Radcliffe Board of Trustees during a period of unprecedented growth and change. Her dignity, incisive intellect, sense of humor, and engaging warmth are the marks of a true leader. DeFriez was chair of the Radcliffe Trustees from 1980 to 1990, during which time she played a pivotal role in bridging and strengthening the Harvard-Radcliffe relationship. The Amey Amory DeFriez Leadership Fund was established in her honor by the Trustees upon her retirement. She has been an indefatigable fundraiser for the University, a member of the Harvard-Radcliffe Joint Policy Committee, and a member of the Search Committee for President Wilson.

Those who have worked with DeFriez respect her integrity, her gift for diplomacy, and her genuine devotion to both Radcliffe and Harvard.