Hunn Awards given for longtime service

Six alumni/ae were recognized for their outstanding “Schools and Scholarships” work during an awards ceremony on Oct. 13.

Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons presented the annual Hunn Awards for outstanding longtime service at the Faculty Club fete.

Those recognized at this year’s ceremony were Edward C. Thayer ’51, Berkeley, Calif.; Barbara F. Rippa ’55, South Burlington, Vt.; James M. Dyer ’60, New York City; Sylvia Chase Gerson ’70, Ph.D. ’75, Fort Myers, Fla.; John L. Gierak ’74, Birmingham, Mich.; Joan Porter MacIver ’75, Halstead, England; K.C. Chew ’82 of Singapore was a 2005 recipient but accepted his award this year.

There are more than 6,000 alumni/ae volunteers worldwide who perform “Schools and Scholarships” work for the Admissions Office. The volunteers recruit prospective applicants and interview actual candidates if geography permits. The factual and personal information provided by these volunteers helps the Admissions Office make difficult choices in an increasingly growing and talented pool of applicants. The “Schools and Scholarships” groups operate under the aegis of Harvard Clubs all over the globe and have been active as outreach agencies for the Admissions Office for more than 50 years. This year’s six recipients collectively represent over 185 years of service.

The award is named in honor of Hiram S. Hunn ’21 who did volunteer work for “Schools and Scholarships” for 55 years – 30 in Iowa and 25 in Vermont. The award was initiated in 1990 to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Harvard Alumni Association.