Campus & Community

In four years at Harvard College, hard work and determination have propelled Patrick Staropoli to a 3.94 grade point average and earned him a place in Phi Beta Kappa. But when folks in Staropoli’s home state of Florida talk about his drive, they’re usually referring to the fact that he races super late-model series stock cars.

Graduating Harvard Medical School student Katherine Johnson hopes to bridge barriers between doctors and patients by using her skills in the community as she begins her residency.

Scenes from the 2012 Commencement exercises.

Sonya Soni always felt called to serve the Indian orphanage that her family has run for four generations. Two years at Harvard Divinity School challenged her to rethink what the struggling community needs most.

Clara Long, who has worked many jobs in many lands, plans to use her new Harvard Law Degree to help ensure the rights of others.

Now 59, Gregg Moore is set to receive a master’s from the Graduate School of Education, which he plans to use to foster community arts programs, with an emphasis on music education, as a way to bring disparate groups together. It’s an idea inspired by his career as a professional tubist in Europe, where he learned the community-building power of music.

All over campus, graduates toasted their hard work and great accomplishment on this perfect New England day as they also looked toward the hope of what tomorrow will bring.

Delivering Harvard’s Commencement address, journalist Fareed Zakaria told members of the Class of 2012 to trust themselves as they journey into a world that is more peaceful and contains more opportunities than ever before.

The president of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) announced the results of the annual election of new members of the Harvard Board of Overseers. The elected directors of the HAA were also announced on May 24.

Harvard’s 361st Commencement continued well into the later afternoon, with graduates, alums, family, friends, and faculty joining in the festivities.

The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) has named Charles W. Collier, Ellen R. and Melvin J. Gordon, Harry L. Parker, and Susan S. Wallach the recipients of the 2012 Harvard Medal.

Catherine Musinsky, an Extension School graduate, used a serious illness to inspire her artistry, creating a documentary and moving on to study movement.

Commencement address by Fareed Zakaria on May 24, 2012.

Harvard alum and Massachusetts senator Rep. Barney Frank ’61 delivers his class day speech to seniors in Tercentenary Theatre on May 23, 2012.

Harvard Gazette staff writers covered the campus to capture snapshots of Harvard’s 361st Commencement, on a picture-perfect day.

The Harvard Polo Club, which dates to early in the 20th century, is enjoying a strong revival after a hiatus.

Comedian Andy Samberg addresses graduating seniors at Class Day 2012 in Tercentenary Theatre

On Radcliffe Day, May 25, hundreds of alumnae, fellows, and friends, including many University leaders, faculty, and staff, celebrate excellence and innovation — hallmarks of both Radcliffe College and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. This year, the Radcliffe Institute medal recipient and luncheon speaker is Margaret H. Marshall, Ed.M.’69.

The chance to make a difference — in Cambridge and beyond — by giving to Harvard appeals widely to alumni across class years.

The Student Organization Center at Hilles should feel more like home when Harvard undergraduates return to campus in the fall — that is, if home has a performance-quality audio system, a high-definition flat-screen TV, top-of-the-line gaming, Starbucks-level coffee drinks, and space in which to party or to meet with several hundred friends.

Since its inception in 2003, the South Asia Initiative continues the long tradition of collaboration between Harvard and South Asia. Learning from South Asia and contributing to its development have become vital given the salience of the region in contemporary times.

Established in late 2006, the Harvard China Fund is Harvard’s “academic venture fund” for China. In service of the entire University, it supports teaching and research on China and promotes Harvard’s presence in China.

The Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies supports and promotes advanced research and training in all fields of Chinese studies. The center provides a variety of grants to enable graduate and undergraduate students to advance their Chinese language skills and conduct research focused on China-related topics.

At a Meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on May 1, 2012, the Minute honoring the life and service of the late Horace Gray Lunt II, Samuel Hazzard Cross Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Emeritus, was placed upon the records. Professor Lunt spearheaded a golden age of Slavic studies.

This summer, the Asia Center will fund 75 students traveling to east, south, and southeast Asia to conduct research, participate in internships, and pursue intensive language study.

At a Meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on May 1, 2012, the Minute honoring the life and service of the late William von Eggers Doering, Mallinckrodt Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, was placed upon the records. Time called Professor Doering’s synthesis of quinine “one of the greatest scientific achievements in a century.”

At a Meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on May 1, 2012, the Minute honoring the life and service of the late Oleg Grabar, Aga Khan Professor of Islamic Art, Emeritus, was placed upon the records. Professor Grabar was one of Islamic art and architecture’s most influential and insightful scholars.

A longtime partnership at the Radcliffe Institute pairs students and fellows on a range of scholarly projects and research.

A fond look back at the memorable events of Harvard’s 375th year.

Laura Ricci, who is receiving a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Education, has a long background as a professional therapeutic clown in a children’s hospital.