JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, we're excited to welcome you to what promises to be an extraordinary year ahead. We hope the holidays treated you well and that you're ready to embrace the opportunities and adventures that await us in the months to come.
This year holds special significance for our nation. In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday—a remarkable milestone that invites us to reflect on our shared history, honor the progress we've made, and consider the legacy we want to build for future generations.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed a bold vision of freedom and self-governance. Two hundred and fifty years later, we find ourselves at a unique moment to celebrate how far we've come as a nation while thoughtfully examining the work that still lies ahead. This semiquincentennial, or America's 250th anniversary, offers us a chance to engage with our history in meaningful ways—through community events, educational programs, and conversations about what it means to build a more perfect union.
Throughout 2026, communities across the country will commemorate this milestone with celebrations, commemorations, and service projects. We encourage you to participate in local events, learn something new about American history, or find ways to contribute to your community in honor of this significant anniversary.
As we embark on this historic year together, we're grateful for your continued membership and engagement. Here's to a year of growth, connection, and celebration.
Honoring Major General Samuel "Bo" Mahaney: A Legacy of Service and Leadership
As Major General Samuel C. "Bo" Mahaney, USAF (Ret.), concludes his term as President of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, we take this opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary contributions to our organization and to reflect on a remarkable career defined by service, scholarship, and leadership.
A Distinguished Military Career
General Mahaney's 36-year military career stands as a testament to dedication, courage, and excellence. A command pilot with more than 5,100 flying hours, he has piloted numerous combat missions in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, and other locations around the world. His extensive flight experience spans multiple aircraft types, including the B-52, KC-10, C-5, C-9, KC-135, C-17, and C-40, demonstrating exceptional versatility and skill.
His final assignment as Chief of Staff at Air Mobility Command placed him at the helm of strategic operations affecting 107,000 Airmen worldwide. In this role, he led a team of 3,500 personnel, optimizing critical processes and overseeing vital airlift, aerial refueling, and mobility support missions that are essential to America's global military presence and humanitarian efforts.
General Mahaney's distinguished service has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Achievement Medal, among many others. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also his profound impact on the men and women he led throughout his career.
Scholar, Strategist, and Educator
What sets General Mahaney apart is his unique combination of operational expertise and intellectual depth. He was a National Security Fellow at Harvard University, where he engaged in rigorous policy analysis and strategic planning to address complex global security challenges. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in History from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law.
As a licensed attorney in Illinois, General Mahaney brings a legal perspective to military and national security matters that few possess. His Georgetown Legislative Fellowship on Capitol Hill provided him with invaluable insight into the intersection of defense policy and governance. During this fellowship, he served on the staff of the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for Defense as a Military Legislative Assistant and Appropriations Liaison, directly influencing defense funding and policy decisions.
His commitment to education extends beyond his own learning. General Mahaney has taught Federal Appropriations Law at the Georgetown University Law Center, sharing his specialized knowledge with future lawyers and policymakers. He also attended the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, and completed the Capstone Military Leadership Program, continuously broadening his understanding of international security cooperation.
Continued Service
In retirement, General Mahaney has not slowed down. He currently serves as Director of the Missouri S&T Policy and Armed Forces Research and Development Institute, where he leverages his extensive experience in policy development and strategic leadership to foster innovative research aimed at enhancing U.S. national security and global stability. This work represents the cutting edge of defense research and development, preparing our nation for the security challenges of tomorrow.
As a lecturer of History, Constitutional Law, National Security, and Leadership at Missouri S&T, he shapes the minds of future leaders, instilling in them the values of service, integrity, and critical thinking. He also serves as a Missouri S&T Trustee, continuing his lifelong commitment to education and institutional excellence.
Leading the National Security Research Alliance
General Mahaney's commitment to national security continues to expand in new and innovative directions. He now serves as a key leader of the Council on Global Competition and Innovation's (CGCI) National Security Research Alliance (NSRA), a first-of-its-kind academic task force connecting leading faculty at elite universities directly to the challenge of mobilizing private capital for national security-relevant technologies.
The Alliance, chaired by Dr. Christos Makridis and comprising an extraordinary group of scholars and practitioners, seeks to strengthen America's long-term strategic advantage by aligning private capital with technologies that underpin our national and economic security. General Mahaney joins distinguished colleagues including Andrew Grotto (William J. Perry International Security Fellow at Stanford University), Karl Muth (Northwestern University), Mark Pascale (Director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard's Belfer Center), and Stephen Tankel (American University and Atlantic Council).
The Alliance's mission is to translate cutting-edge academic research into actionable frameworks that accelerate capital deployment in critical sectors—from AI and quantum computing to biotechnology and critical minerals. By creating an investable roadmap for aligning the full capital stack with U.S. national and economic security objectives, this initiative represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking that has characterized General Mahaney's approach to national security throughout his career.
The Alliance will produce recurring analysis leading up to a 2026 Integrated Report, offering a definitive guide for investors and policymakers to secure our technological future. General Mahaney's involvement in this groundbreaking initiative demonstrates his continued dedication to ensuring American security and prosperity through the strategic integration of academic excellence, private capital, and national security imperatives.
Commitment to Service Organizations
In September 2025, General Mahaney joined the Board of the Command Purpose Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping bridge the gap between military and civilian life through structured introspection, meaningful engagement, and a values-based community. When asked about his motivation for joining, he stated simply, "I am most excited to help the organization help others, and seek resources so CP can broaden its reach."
Leadership at HVAO
General Mahaney's presidency of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization has been marked by the same dedication and vision that characterized his military career. His leadership has strengthened our community, expanded our reach, and reinforced our commitment to supporting Harvard veterans across all branches of service and generations.
His approach to leadership embodies the values he holds dear. When asked about his dream dinner guest, he chose Harriet Tubman—the fearless abolitionist, conductor on the Underground Railroad, spy, scout, nurse, and Civil War hero. "She made around 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends, using the Underground Railroad," he explained. "She played a key role in the Combahee River Raid, where she helped free over 700 enslaved people, making her one of the first women to lead a military operation in U.S. history." His choice speaks to his appreciation for courage, selfless service, and transformative leadership.
A Lasting Impact
As General Mahaney transitions from his role as HVAO President, his impact on our organization will continue to be felt for years to come. He has exemplified the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization's commitment to service, excellence, and community. His leadership has inspired us to reach higher, serve better, and remain connected to the values that unite us as veterans and as members of the Harvard community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Major General Samuel "Bo" Mahaney for his exceptional service to HVAO and for his lifetime of dedication to our nation. His legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service will continue to inspire all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
Thank you, General Mahaney, for your extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to our organization and our nation.
Important Update: New Election to Be Held
During post-election review for the Board of Directors election, our team identified concerns with the integrity of the voting process that prevent us from reliably validating the results. Specifically, we cannot confidently ensure that all votes were cast in accordance with our established rules, including the fundamental requirement that each member vote only once.
Given these circumstances, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to set aside the election results and conduct a new election.
What Happens Next
To ensure a fair, transparent, and secure process moving forward, we will be using a different voting platform that includes enhanced safeguards against duplicate or unauthorized voting. This new system will provide the security measures needed to protect the integrity of our democratic process.
We will share complete details about the new platform, election timeline, and voting procedures in the coming days. Our goal is to move forward efficiently while ensuring every member has confidence in the process and outcome.
Our Commitment to You
We recognize that this is a frustrating development, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we take these necessary steps. The integrity of our election process is paramount, and we are committed to ensuring that all candidates and voters can have complete confidence in the results.
Why Board Composition and Election Integrity Matter for HVAO’s Future
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization exists for a clear and important purpose: to connect, elevate, and serve Harvard alumni who have worn the uniform. Our mission is not symbolic. It is practical. We are here to build community, raise awareness across the broader Harvard ecosystem, fund scholarships, support veteran causes, and ensure that those who have served are visible, supported, and represented within one of the world’s most influential academic networks.
To accomplish that mission, governance matters. Specifically, who serves on the board matters, and how those individuals are selected matters just as much.
A strong board must reflect the breadth of the membership it represents. Not in rank, not in title, but in lived experience. HVAO’s membership spans generations, services, industries, and sectors. It includes leaders from the private sector, nonprofit executives, entrepreneurs, academics, public servants, and veterans navigating every phase of post-service life. A board that mirrors this diversity is better equipped to understand member needs, make informed decisions, and guide the organization forward.
Too often, military pay grade is mistaken for universal leadership applicability. Admirals and generals have unquestionably led with distinction in uniform, and their experience is valuable. But nonprofit governance and private sector leadership demand additional and different competencies. Fundraising, fiduciary oversight, stakeholder engagement, organizational scaling, and external partnerships require hands-on experience in civilian institutions. Rank alone does not confer that expertise.
This is not a critique of military service. It is an acknowledgment of reality. Leadership is contextual. What works in a hierarchical command structure does not automatically translate to the governance of a nonprofit serving a diverse, civilian-connected membership. The most effective boards combine military credibility with nonprofit fluency and private sector execution. HVAO deserves nothing less.
Board diversity, in this sense, is not about optics. It is about effectiveness. It ensures that decisions are informed by those who understand donor engagement, scholarship administration, alumni relations, and long-term organizational sustainability. It ensures that the board serves the membership, rather than defining it narrowly.
Equally important is election integrity.
When members are invited to participate in governance through elections, those elections must be respected. Votes are not advisory suggestions. They are expressions of trust. Overriding or revisiting outcomes after the fact, particularly based on personal disagreement or internal politics, undermines confidence in the organization and discourages future engagement.
Trust is the currency of any membership organization. Once it erodes, it is difficult to rebuild. Members disengage. Volunteers step back. Momentum stalls. None of that serves HVAO’s mission.
Disagreement is healthy. Debate is healthy. Strong organizations allow for differing viewpoints and work through them transparently. What weakens an institution is the perception that established processes apply only when outcomes are convenient. Integrity means honoring the rules we set, even when we dislike the result.
At its core, this is about long-term stewardship.
Leadership is not about winning a moment. It is about staying present for the organization over time. Especially when doing so is uncomfortable. Especially when it requires restraint, humility, and respect for collective decision-making.
For HVAO, that means committing to support the organization, its mission, and its members beyond any single vote or disagreement. It means standing with the membership, honoring their participation, and working constructively within governance structures to improve them rather than bypass them.
If we get this right, HVAO becomes more than a network. It becomes a durable institution. One that honors service without being bound by hierarchy. One that values competence alongside experience. One that respects process over personality. And one that its members trust, support, and champion for decades to come. That is the standard worthy of the Harvard name. That is the organization our members deserve.
Shawn Whiteside, MPA Harvard Kennedy School, Class of 2019
Member, Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization
Book Review
Crimson Valor
The medal of honor and harvard university
By Philip A. Keith
In 2011, Crimson Valor was published by Philip A. Keith, a U.S. military veteran and Harvard alumnus. The book brought renewed attention to a remarkable fact: Harvard University has produced more Medal of Honor recipients than any other university in the nation, outside of the U.S. military academies. At the time, Keith documented 17 Harvard alumni who had received the country’s highest military decoration for valor. Today, that number stands at 21.
Crimson Valor tells the stories behind that distinction, tracing the lives of Harvard alumni whose acts of courage span multiple conflicts and generations. Keith writes not only about battlefield heroism, but also about what followed—how many of these veterans returned from war to study, teach, lead, and continue serving in new ways.
Among those profiled are figures such as Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, whose service in the Spanish-American War preceded a lifetime of public leadership, and Colonel William J. Donovan, whose World War I valor was followed by a career that included founding the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, the precursor to today’s CIA.
More than a decade after its publication, and following Keith’s passing, Crimson Valor endures as a lasting contribution—preserving the stories of Harvard alumni whose service and sacrifice shaped the nation and affirming Harvard’s unique place in America’s military history.
Javier Jimenez, ALM ‘23
Air Force Veteran
December 2025 Newsletter
Harvard College Hosts First Annual Veterans Day Observance
On a frigid Veterans Day afternoon, Harvard College, the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, and the Harvard Foundation welcomed students, alumni, faculty, and community members to Memorial Church for a Veterans Day Observance. The sanctuary, dedicated to the memories of fallen service members, provided a fitting setting for a ceremony providing reflection, honor, and gratitude. Opening remarks by Navy Veteran and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals & Pusey Minister, Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, acknowledged Harvard’s longstanding tradition of service and set the tone for the commemorative program.
The program continued with remarks by Master Sergeant Ed Somuk, USMC (Ret.), who shared about his road to becoming an undergraduate at Harvard College. Next, Harvard historian Jill Lepore shared memories of her father, a Veteran of WWII, and how his experiences shaped her formative years. The keynote address was delivered by Congressman Seth Moulton, USMC. He shared the how his time in Memorial Church influenced his decision to join the Marines, and how his military service has shaped his political service.
Highlights of the ceremony included the introduction of the newly updated Medal of Honor plaque by Paul Mawn, who spoke about the extensive research and dedication behind ensuring Harvard’s Medal of Honor recipients are honored with accuracy and dignity, and a stunning rendition of America the Beautiful by Rev. Dr. Aric B. Flemming Jr. . The ceremony closed with a benediction, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of gratitude and a strengthened connection to Harvard’s veteran community.
HVAO Welcomes James Simon as Treasurer
We are thrilled to announce that James Simon, ALM '24, has joined the HVAO Board as our new Treasurer.
James brings exceptional financial expertise to this role as the Founder and President of Renew Wealth Management and a current appointee to the Department of Defense Investment Board as part of the Investment Advisory Committee, where he provides strategic investment direction for over $2.8 trillion in military pension and federal trust funds. As a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, and Chartered Financial Analyst Level 3 candidate with more than 18 years in wealth management, James has advised over $1.4 billion in client assets during his tenure at Charles Schwab and previously served as Director - Financial Planner for a private multi-family office firm assisting ultra-high net worth families with $30 million or more in assets. He brings unparalleled financial acumen to our organization.
As an Iraq War veteran with over 20 years of Army service, currently serving in an Army Reservist capacity at the White House Military Office as an Operations Officer, James deeply understands our community's unique needs.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, James now resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his son, Grant. When not serving our veteran community, you might find him on the golf course, Latin dancing, or exploring one of the 60+ countries he's visited in his travels. James brings both his global perspective and deep commitment to service to our board.
New HVAO Chapters Forming in select Cities
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization is excited to announce the formation of new HVAO Chapters in select cities across the country. These local chapters will create new opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated alumni to connect, network, serve their communities, and strengthen the bonds that unite our membership.
As we continue expanding, we invite members who are interested in helping form, lead, or support new chapters to join us in building this next stage of HVAO’s growth. Whether you have prior leadership experience or simply a passion for supporting fellow veterans, your involvement can make a meaningful impact.
If you’d like to take part in shaping a chapter in your area—or help launch one in a city not yet covered—please sign up using the link below.
https://qualtricsxmfrqf7c4bh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PQiNmbJD029pBA
Together, we look forward to extending the reach and community of HVAO nationwide.
Happy Holidays & Joyous New Year
Happy holidays to the Harvard Veterans Alumni Community! As this year draws to a close, I hope each of you finds time for rest, reflection, and connection with the people and traditions that bring you joy. Your service, both in uniform and in the broader Harvard community, continues to inspire gratitude and admiration.
May this season remind you of the strength of shared purpose and the bonds formed through leadership, resilience, and commitment. The support you offer one another, and the example you set for current students and fellow alumni, enriches the entire Harvard community in meaningful and lasting ways.
Wishing you all a joyous and fulfilling New Year ahead. May 2026 bring renewed opportunities, personal triumphs, and moments of celebration. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do—here’s to a bright and hopeful year to come!
Winter greenery with Scrabble pieces spelling Holiday Season.
November 2025 Newsletter
HVAO Welcomes its first chaplain
Please join Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization in welcoming our first chaplain. We are thrilled to include pastoral care for all faiths as part of our offerings to the Harvard Veteran Alumni community.
Chaplain (Colonel) Tim Ryu, U.S. Army, M.Div. ’01, Harvard Divinity School, currently serves as the Pentagon Chaplain. For more than 22 years, he has walked alongside Soldiers at every level of the Army—from battalion formations to the halls of the Pentagon—serving through a combat deployment to Iraq and later teaching at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School.
In addition to his pastoral and leadership roles, Tim holds certifications as an executive coach, hospital chaplain, Army strategist, suicide intervention trainer, and resource manager. He has also translated two devotional classics into Korean: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence and Loving the Jesus Way by Maxie Dunnam. He is married to Jamie, and together they have three grown children.
Tim is honored to serve as the HVAO Chaplain, drawing on his diverse experiences to care for and connect with members of all faiths and backgrounds within the Harvard veterans community. If you would like to contact Chaplain Ryu, he can be reached at chaplain@harvardveterans.org.
Chaplain (COL) Tim Ryu and family.
Crimson Line Mentorship Program Launched
The Crimson Line Mentorship Program connects veterans, active duty, guard/reserve, and ROTC students with Veteran Alumni to foster leadership, resilience, and professional growth. By bridging generations of service, the program equips current veteran students and future officers with the guidance and perspective needed to excel in their academic and civic responsibilities.
Grounded in the principles of service, discipline, and leadership, the program is designed to provide current student veterans, active duty, reserve/guard, and ROTC students with the guidance, perspective, and support of veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to academic and professional pursuits, and vice versa.
Through structured mentorship, participants engage in one-on-one advising, professional development workshops, and community-building opportunities. Veterans share their experiences and insights to help students and cadets strengthen their leadership skills, navigate academic and career challenges, and prepare for future responsibilities as military officers, public leaders, and private citizens.
Program Leadership
Dr. Adam Pierson Milano (US Army) is the HVAO Chair of Special Initiatives and creator of the Crimson Line Mentorship Project. He is a practitioner-scholar in the fields of social work, education, and leadership. He is Clinical Faculty at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work where He also serves in the Global Engagement office and as core faculty with the Global Social Development Innovations Research Center.
Additionally, he is a teaching fellow for Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a Teaching Faculty member for Professional Programs at Harvard Graduate School of Education in their Mental Health in Higher Education course (inaugural faculty). He has taught at Mission Critical Team Institute and the Warrior Scholar Project. He completed his doctoral degree at the University of Southern California, his master’s degrees at Harvard University and Columbia University, and his bachelor’s degree at Middlebury College.
How to become a Mentor or Find a Mentor through the Crimson Line
To become a mentor, or to be connected with a mentor, contact the Program Manager, Dr. Adam Milano, at mentorship@harvardveterans.org.
HVAO Marks third Annual Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
By Joslin Joseph
ARLINGTON, Va. — On Saturday, October 18 at 1:15 p.m., members and supporters of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) gathered at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery for their Third Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. The event took place at the cemetery’s symbolic heart, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn tribute to the men and women who have served the United States.
The ceremony brought together Harvard‐affiliated veterans, alumni, and guests in a moment of shared reflection and gratitude.
The wreath, carefully placed before the stone marking the Tomb, served as the focal point for the gathering. Attendees observed a moment of silence, followed by the traditional playing of “Taps” and the echoing presence of service uniforms in the amphitheater.
HVAO brings together veterans, active-duty students, and alumni from the Harvard community and has established this annual ceremony as a fixture in its calendar. The 2025 event marks the third iteration of their wreath‐laying tradition.
In addition to the formal ceremony, participants were invited to an informal lunch at the Shake Shack in Crystal City.
How to Participate
For those interested in attending next year’s ceremony, HVAO will announce the date in May 2026 and open registration one month before the event. Guests, current students, spouses, and family members are welcome. Information about parking, cemetery access, and timing is included in logistical notes distributed by the organization in advance. (See HVAO’s events page for updates.)
When Harvard Honored a Revolutionary: George Washington’s LL.D. of 1776
By Lydia Rossman
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On April 3, 1776, as the echo of cannon fire still hung in the spring air of Boston Harbor, Harvard College took an unprecedented step. The University’s overseers and president voted to confer an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree upon General George Washington, commander of the Continental Army and the man who had just liberated Boston from British control.
It was the first such degree ever awarded by Harvard and the first honorary Doctor of Laws in American history.
“As an expression of the gratitude of this College for his eminent services in the cause of his country and to this society,” Harvard declared in its citation.
The parchment, written in Latin by President Samuel Langdon, was not merely a ceremonial nod. It was a signal: Harvard, one of the oldest institutions in the colonies, was aligning itself with the Revolution and honoring the leadership shaping a new nation.
A Nation and a College in Rebellion
In the early months of 1776, the Siege of Boston had reached its climax. Washington, recently appointed commander-in-chief, had transformed a ragtag colonial militia into an organized fighting force. By March 17, the British had evacuated the city, a victory that electrified the colonies.
Just weeks later, Harvard, whose campus had itself been occupied by Continental soldiers during the siege, sought to express its gratitude. The degree was more than an academic gesture; it was a declaration of patriotic loyalty.
Harvard’s records describe the decision as unanimous. The university’s leaders praised Washington, not only for his military achievement, but also for his “wisdom, prudence, and virtue”, qualities that mirrored Harvard’s own ideals of disciplined leadership and moral purpose.
The Diploma and Its Symbolism
Washington’s honorary LL.D. was formally approved by the Harvard Corporation and Overseers on April 3, 1776. The diploma, inscribed on vellum, bore Harvard’s seal and Latin script, “Doctor of Laws” translating to Legum Doctor, or “teacher of laws.”
Washington never attended the ceremony as he was still in command of the army. The document was likely dispatched to him by courier and, though his personal reaction was never recorded (he kept no diary that year), the degree remained among his papers at Mount Vernon, preserved as a symbol of his early acclaim.
The Honorary LL.D awarded to George Washington by Harvard University. The document is housed at Mount Vernon.
“It was both a scholarly and a political act,” notes historian J.L. Bell, who has studied the episode. “By honoring Washington, Harvard was declaring its allegiance not only to learning, but to liberty.”
The First of Its Kind
Before 1776, Harvard had never awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honorary or otherwise. The degree type itself was rooted in English academic tradition, often bestowed upon jurists, statesmen, or monarchs. In recognizing a general rather than a lawyer, Harvard expanded the meaning of the honor, transforming it into a tribute to civic virtue and national service.
That innovation would ripple outward. The practice of awarding honorary degrees for public achievement, now a fixture of commencement season across America, arguably began with this moment.
An Intellectual Salute to a Soldier
The minutes from the meeting of the Harvard Corporation awarding George Washington his LL.D. Photo courtesy of Tom Chamberlin.
Harvard’s degree was as much an act of faith as of recognition. The war for independence was far from won. By conferring its highest honor on Washington, the college was proclaiming confidence in his leadership and in the revolutionary cause itself.
The gesture also reflected the duality of Washington’s image: a man of arms who embodied reason, restraint, and integrity. To the learned men of Harvard, he represented the Enlightenment ideal; the citizen-soldier guided by law and principle rather than ambition.
Legacy and Reflection
Nearly 250 years later, Washington’s honorary LL.D. remains one of the most storied moments in Harvard’s long academic history. His degree established a precedent that universities continue to follow: recognizing excellence not just in scholarship, but in service to humanity.
Harvard’s 1776 diploma survives today in the archives at Mount Vernon and is occasionally exhibited; a yellowed relic of parchment that captures a revolutionary blend of gratitude, intellect, and nation-building.
For Harvard, the degree symbolized the university’s entry into the American experiment. For Washington, it was one of the earliest acknowledgments of his leadership, long before the presidency, before the Constitution, before the myth.
It was, in essence, a vote of confidence from the nation’s oldest college to the man who would soon lead its newest country.
Sources: Harvard University Archives; The Harvard Crimson (1937); Boston Magazine (2014); Boston 1775 Historical Blog; Harvard Gazette; Lydia Rossman; Tom Chamberlin
Upcoming Events
Harvard College to Host Veterans Day
Harvard College and the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Church.
This event is dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans. The ceremony will bring together veteran students, ROTC cadets and midshipmen, veteran alumni, faculty, and members of the Harvard community to pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As part of the program, the Medal of Honor Plaque will be re-dedicated following the addition of Clinton Cilley and Alexander Vandegrift to Harvard’s memorial, ensuring that their heroism and commitment are remembered for generations to come. Congressman Seth Moulton will give the keynote remarks.
HVAO warmly invites all veteran and active-duty alumni, along with their families, to join this special occasion of remembrance and gratitude. Uniforms are encouraged.
Harvard University has a long and proud connection to America’s veterans, one that stretches back to the Revolutionary War and continues to this day. From the earliest days of the Republic, Harvard graduates have answered the call to serve, and the University has honored that tradition by supporting those who have worn the nation’s uniform.
During World Wars I and II, thousands of Harvard students, faculty, and alumni enlisted or were commissioned into the armed forces, and the campus transformed into a hub of military training and research. In the modern era, Harvard has strengthened its commitment to veterans through programs designed to foster their academic and professional success.
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) and the Harvard Veterans Student Organization (HVSO) ensure that the voices of service members are heard and that veterans have a strong community within the University’s schools. Today, hundreds of student veterans study across Harvard’s colleges, bringing with them the leadership, resilience, and global perspective forged through military service.
The University’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program further demonstrates its dedication to making a Harvard education accessible to those who have served. On Veterans Day, Harvard pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of its veteran students, alumni, and faculty—individuals who exemplify the University’s highest ideals of service, leadership, and learning.
Interested in Starting an HVAO Chapter in Your City? Join Our Info Session!
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) invites members to an information session for those interested in founding or revitalizing local HVAO chapters.
📅 Friday, November 14
🕗 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
💻 Via Zoom
This session will offer practical guidance on how to start a chapter, build your local network, and connect with Harvard veterans in your region. HVAO leaders will share resources, success stories, and best practices, followed by an open Q&A.
Local chapters are the heart of our growing community—creating opportunities for mentorship, service, and connection among veteran alumni, students, and supporters.
The virtual event will provide guidance, resources, and inspiration for alumni and veteran members who wish to strengthen Harvard’s veteran community at the local level.
👉 Register today: https://qualtricsxmfrqf7c4bh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ujjuLKiG7QfQhM
Building Community Across the Country
As the network of Harvard-affiliated veterans continues to grow, HVAO is encouraging members to take an active role in establishing local chapters—hubs for connection, service, and shared experience. Local chapters play a key role in bringing together veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and supporters to celebrate service, mentor students, and advance professional and civic engagement.
Session Overview
During the information session, attendees will learn:
How to form and charter a new HVAO chapter
Available support and resources from HVAO leadership
Examples of successful chapter activities, from community service projects to career networking events
Best practices for building partnerships with local Harvard Clubs and university programs
The event will conclude with a Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to discuss their goals and explore collaboration opportunities with other alumni in their regions.
How to Join
The session is open to all HVAO members and Harvard-affiliated veterans who are interested in establishing or revitalizing a local chapter. Registration details, including the Zoom link, are available on the HVAO Events page at https://qualtricsxmfrqf7c4bh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ujjuLKiG7QfQhM.
Advance registration is encouraged to ensure participants receive materials and follow-up resources after the meeting.
Strengthening the Harvard Veteran Network
By creating local chapters, HVAO aims to build a stronger, more connected veteran network—one that reflects the values of leadership, service, and community shared by Harvard alumni and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Other News
HVAO Swag Store Open
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) Store offers a wide selection of branded apparel and accessories—from water bottles, mugs, and coasters to jackets, polos, hoodies, and embroidered patches. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable unisex tee, a sleek Under Armour® polo, or a vintage-corduroy cap, the HVAO Store provides quality items that showcase your support for this dedicated veterans community.
What makes this store especially meaningful is who it benefits. Every purchase helps support the veterans, student veterans, and alumni of Harvard University who are part of HVAO: the funds raised contribute to programming, scholarships, networking events, and mentorship opportunities aimed at helping veterans transition into academic life, professional careers, and civic leadership. In other words, when you buy HVAO-branded gear, you aren’t just buying a product—you’re contributing toward a community of service-members and alumni who bring their experience, leadership, and global perspective to campus and beyond.
If you’re proud of your service, proud of your connection to Harvard’s veteran network, or simply want to support those facets of the community, the HVAO Store offers a meaningful way to show that pride—and to help others do the same. To shop, visit: https://www.harvardveterans.org/store
Award Winners
Congratulations to Joslin Joseph — Winner of the 2025 Military Reporters & Editors (MRE) Journalism Award for Commentary/Opinion (Division 1)
We are thrilled to announce that Joslin Joseph, our accomplished copywriter, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 MRE Journalism Award in the Commentary/Opinion (Division 1) category for his incisive work published with The Hill. (Military Reporters and Editors)
This recognition highlights not only Joslin’s individual talent but also the broader importance of veteran–voice journalism in shaping public discourse. His commentaries have brought clarity, perspective, and a veteran’s lived experience to issues of service, policy, and national identity.
A Look at Joslin’s Contributions and Why They Matter
While the full portfolio of his articles spans a variety of themes, several consistent threads emerge in Joslin’s work:
Joslin Joseph
Grounded in experience. Joslin is a veteran himself (a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq) and a graduate of Harvard Extension School. (We Are The Mighty) His essays reflect the interplay of military service, higher education, and civic life.
Challenging stereotypes about service. One of his essays noted on LinkedIn:
“I had an op-ed published … about how we treat military service when it comes to politics.” (LinkedIn)
In this vein, he questions simplistic portrayals of veterans, and probes how service is both honored and misunderstood in public life.Bridging the veteran community and policymaking. His commentary is anchored in the realities of service—rigor, sacrifice, identity—but also looks outward: at how institutions treat veterans, how policy reflects on them, how their narratives enter (or are excluded from) civic discourse. This dimension is precisely what the MRE judges spotlight when honoring commentary that explains the “military/military-connected” experience to broader audiences. (Military Reporters and Editors)
Clarity of voice with emotional resonance. His writing doesn’t just state facts, it engages readers emotionally, making the abstract real by highlighting individual stories, subtle institutional flaws, or the challenge of shifting from combat to campus to civilian life. In doing so, he elevates veteran voices in mainstream outlets and helps broaden understanding of service beyond uniform.
What This Means for Our Community
Recognition of veteran journalism’s value. Joslin’s award underscores that veteran voices do more than share personal stories, they contribute to national conversation, challenge assumptions, and offer insight into service, leadership, and reintegration.
Affirmation of our organization’s mission. As part of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) family, this achievement reflects our commitment to amplifying veteran alumni voices, supporting veteran-scholar communities, and fostering connection across Harvard’s veteran network.
Inspiration for others. Joslin’s path—service to scholarship to journalism—serves as a powerful model for veteran alumni and students alike. It shows how the skills developed in uniform translate into influence in writing, media, and public engagement.
Please join us in congratulating Joslin Joseph on this remarkable accomplishment! His work brings honor not only to himself but to our entire veteran and Harvard alumni community. We look forward to the many meaningful commentaries yet to come.
Bravo, Joslin — and thank you for helping us all understand service in new and important ways.
HVAO Recognized by Harvard Alumni Association
Congratulations to Lydia Rossman, ALM ’24, on receiving the 2024–2025 Harvard Alumni Association Clubs and Shared Interest Groups Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates her exceptional service and dedication to the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) and the broader Harvard alumni community. Through her tireless leadership, Lydia has strengthened the bonds between Harvard and its veteran community, ensuring that those who have served our nation continue to have a strong voice, network, and sense of belonging within the University.
In accepting the award, Lydia shared: “I am honored to serve the Veteran community through the Harvard Alumni Association. Thank you to all who serve in the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, Inc. This award is for you, too.” Her words reflect the true spirit of service and collaboration that define both the veteran experience and the Harvard community.
Under Lydia’s leadership, HVAO has expanded its outreach, built meaningful programming, and created opportunities for mentorship and fellowship among veterans, service members, and their families. Her work embodies the Harvard tradition of “Veritas” — truth through service, leadership, and shared purpose.
This award not only honors Lydia’s individual contributions but also recognizes the collective efforts of all members of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, whose commitment continues to enrich the University’s legacy of public service and excellence. The entire Harvard community joins in congratulating Lydia Rossman on this well-deserved honor and in celebrating the continued partnership between Harvard and those who have served.
Vice President, Lydia Rossman, receives the Harvard Alumni Association Alumni Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award on October 22, 2025.
October 2025 Newsletter
2025 Back to School BBQ a Success!
The HVAO 2025 Back to School BBQ was held Saturday, September 27th at the American Legion Marsh Post 442 in Cambridge.
Alumni and students from every school, as well as Harvard College Administration, attended the BBQ and Awards Ceremony. General Bo Mahaney gave the keynote address.
The HVAO Board of Directors welcomed 60 guests to the Annual Back-to-School BBQ on Saturday, September 27th. The traditional American BBQ lunch was catered by Grill 41 and the bar was tended by members of the American Legion Marsh Post 442. The event started with the invocation provided by HVAO and Pentagon Chaplain, Tim Ryu (HDS ‘01) and ended with a lively raffle where prizes such as a humidor made from an ammo can and a seat for lunch at the White House with National Security Counsel Director for Russia and Europe, Charles McLaughlin, were raffled off.
HVAO President General Bo Mahaney (NSF ‘08) presented this year’s awards. The John F. Kennedy Public Service Award was presented to William Moynahan (HC ‘99) for his dedication to justice, public service, and democratic ideals. This year’s Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Leadership Award was presented to Javier Jiminez (HES ‘23) for his unwavering service to veterans and the Harvard veteran community. The Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust Ally Award was presented to Dr. William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard College, for his work promoting veteran and ROTC admissions.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
HVAO will hold its annual wreath laying at ANC on Saturday, October 18. The ceremony begins promptly at 1:15 with a group photo in the amphitheater and self-pay mixer at the Pentagon City Mall Shake Shack immediately afterwards.
Medal of Honor plaque Update
Thank you to all who donated to help HVAO update the Medal of Honor Plaque located in Memorial Church in Harvard Yard. Together you provided a combined $12,765 which put us over our target of $12,500.
We would like to specifically thank the following individuals who made generous donations and drove us to our goal in record time.
Koong Lam (HES ‘17) - $4,000
Tom Reardon (HC ‘68) - $2,500
Terry Murphy (HC ‘59) - $1,000
Mark Ryan - $500
HVAO will be rededicating the Medal of Honor Plaque on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, at 11:00am in Memorial Church. All are welcome to join us.
HVAO Initiates Chapter Formation
HVAO leadership will be holding an information session for our members interested in forming local HVAO chapters. This Zoom gathering is scheduled for Friday, November 15th, at 8:00pm EST, 5:00pm PST. We will be discussing how to form a chapter, leadership opportunities, and what support the National HVAO Board will provide. To register for the information session, click THIS LINK.
SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
And we’re off! - on a new academic year.
Happy labor day!
It’s September! Kids are back in school. The days are getting shorter, the nights cooler, and the sounds of college football are starting to reverberate across America. Soon, the hustle of the winter holiday season will be here. With schedules filling up and life getting busy, HVAO President Bo Mahaney and I hope that you can take some time and join us at the HVAO Annual Fall BBQ in Cambridge on Saturday, September 27th.
We look forward to this event every year to welcome our veteran students and ROTC cadets and midshipmen to campus. This year, we are holding the event at the American Legion Marsh Post 442 on Greenough Street in Cambridge. The event will highlight our awardees for the Kennedy Public Service Award, the Roosevelt Leadership Award, and the Faust Ally Award for 2024/25. We will also draw winners for our raffle, this year benefitting the addition of three names to the Harvard Medal of Honor plaque located in Memorial Church.
If you plan to join us at the BBQ, please RSVP HERE.
Remembering 9/11
As we remember the attack on 9/11, let us also remember those from the Harvard Community who were lost that day and those who volunteered to serve this country in the aftermath.
September 11 marks a sobering moment for Harvard-affiliated veterans—both alumni who served and those shaped by that fateful day. The Gazette recounts how eleven members of the Harvard community—including veterans and those with deep ties to military and public service—lost their lives in the attacks: among them physicians, business leaders, and consultants whose lives and careers were devoted to serving others Harvard Gazette. For veterans across generations, the attacks stirred confusion, fear, and an instinctive compulsion to “do something”—to act out of duty, solidarity, and purpose. One alum vividly describes racing across his old campus, seeking a connection in the bleak hours after the tragedy Harvard Gazette.
These shared experiences underscore a broader legacy: 9/11 deeply influenced life trajectories, guiding many toward careers in national security, public health, and service-driven leadership. Though not all had direct losses, the weight of that day—its haunting images, its abrupt rupture of security—left an enduring imprint that steered choices and convictions. For Harvard veterans, the anniversary is both a remembrance and a touchstone—a catalyst for reflection on how service, sacrifice, and community resilience converge in the face of tragedy.
The 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
Medal of Honor Memorial Plaque to get three new names
Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization is proud to announce the latest phase of our Memorial Plaque project — adding three new names to the Medal of Honor Memorial Plaque. This tribute is more than an inscription; it is a lasting acknowledgment of valor, a tangible reminder on campus, and a beacon of courage for generations to come.
The Medal of Honor Memorial plaque was donated by the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization and unveiled on November 11, 2009, by Chief of Staff of the Army, George W. Casey Jr. and Harvard President, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust.
The new names will be unveiled at a Memorial Ceremony on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2025, at Memorial Church.
At the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO), our mission is clear: to Connect, Bridge, and Honor the courageous service of our Harvard alumni who have served in the armed forces. We’re dedicated to further immortalizing that legacy through this heartfelt initiative. Our focus includes:
Recognition – Honoring three additional heroes with their rightful place on the plaque.
Preservation – Ensuring the plaque remains respectfully protected and maintained for future years.
Education – Sharing the stories of these extraordinary individuals with the Harvard community and beyond.
We need your help to raise $10,000
Each donation brings us much closer to our $10,000 goal — a milestone that will help cover the cost of engraving, installation, and upkeep. Through your generous support, you play an essential role in preserving these legacies for posterity.
Investing in this project means uplifting the spirit of service represented by these heroes. It’s a call to action — to acknowledge bravery, ensure remembrance, and inspire future alumni.
Every contribution matters. Join us in honoring distinguished Harvard veterans by donating to inscribe their names on the Medal of Honor Memorial Plaque today. Your support ensures their stories endure — forever woven into the fabric of our university and our hearts.
To raise money in support of this effort, we are holding a raffle on September 27th. If you would like to help us reach our $2,500 raffle goal, you can purchase tickets HERE.
We also accept direct donations, and have a direct donation goal of $7,500. If you prefer to pay by check, they can be sent to Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization Inc. at 8409 Allsworth Court, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755.
HVAO VICE PRESIDENT WINS HAA Award
The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) has announced that Lydia Rossman has been selected as a recipient of the 2024–2025 Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award, one of the highest honors given annually by the HAA Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs). This award recognizes individuals whose dedication, vision, and service have made a lasting impact within the Harvard alumni community.
Each year, the HAA Clubs and SIGs Awards celebrate both individual and organizational excellence through two categories: the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award and the Outstanding Alumni Community Award. Awardees are nominated by their peers, with nominations supported by testimonials that highlight the significant contributions, tireless leadership, and far-reaching influence of the recipients.
Lydia was chosen for her exemplary commitment to advancing the mission of the Harvard community, bringing people together through innovative programming, and fostering meaningful alumni connections across the globe. Her leadership reflects the very essence of Harvard’s spirit of service — dedication, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
The award will be formally presented to Lydia this October during the HAA Leadership Conference, an annual gathering that brings together alumni leaders from around the world to share insights, strengthen networks, and celebrate volunteer achievement.
In receiving this recognition, Lydia joins a distinguished group of Harvard alumni who embody the highest ideals of alumni engagement. Her peers and the HAA have affirmed not only her accomplishments but also her continued commitment to building inclusive, impactful communities.
Please join us in congratulating Lydia Rossman on this well-deserved honor. Her leadership and passion for service inspire us all and strengthen the bonds that connect Harvard alumni worldwide.
Learn more about Lydia’s professional and volunteer work on her LinkedIn profile.
July 2025 Newsletter
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, marks not only the birth of the United States but also the enduring values that Harvard has helped to cultivate: freedom of thought, public service, and democratic ideals. The holiday is a time to reflect on the courage and vision of those who declared independence in 1776—and to honor institutions like Harvard that have carried forward the legacy of leadership, inquiry, and national service. As the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard has been intertwined with the nation’s history since its earliest days. As fireworks light the skies, Harvard celebrates its historical connection to America’s founding and its continuing role in preparing the leaders who shape its future. The University’s libraries and archives preserve invaluable documents from this era, reflecting its deep roots in the American struggle for liberty.
HVAO Awards - Now Accepting Nominations
Each year, the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) proudly presents three distinguished awards honoring service, leadership, and allyship within the Harvard veterans community. Nominations are now open through secure Qualtrics portals, allowing individuals to submit nominations either anonymously or by identifying themselves.
The John F. Kennedy Public Service Award honors Harvard veterans who exemplify the courage, integrity, and dedication to public service championed by President Kennedy—a decorated Navy hero and statesman whose legacy inspires a life of service for the greater good.
The Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Leadership Award recognizes Harvard alumni veterans whose leadership, professional excellence, and service to both country and community reflect the bold spirit of President Roosevelt, a Medal of Honor recipient and champion of civic responsibility.
The Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust Ally Award celebrates non-veterans who have made a profound impact on the Harvard military-affiliated community. Named after Harvard’s 28th president, this award honors those who, like Dr. Faust, have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and support for veterans at Harvard.
Please read the full award descriptions below and make your nominations. The nomination window closes on August 1, 2025.
John F. Kennedy Public Service Award
The John F. Kennedy Public Service Award honors Harvard Veterans who embody the spirit of service, courage, and integrity demonstrated by President John F. Kennedy throughout his life—as a naval officer, a congressman, a U.S. senator, and ultimately as President of the United States. This award recognizes those who have dedicated themselves to the common good through selfless public service, visionary leadership, and a commitment to democratic ideals.
John F. Kennedy’s dedication to his country began with his heroic service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As commander of PT-109, Kennedy led his crew to safety after their boat was struck by a Japanese destroyer; an act of leadership and valor that earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and a Purple Heart. His wartime experience instilled a deep sense of duty and sacrifice that would shape his public life.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946 and the U.S. Senate in 1952, Kennedy championed causes such as civil rights, veterans affairs, and foreign policy rooted in American leadership and moral purpose. His time in Congress reflected a commitment to bipartisanship, reasoned debate, and principled governance.
As the 35th President of the United States, Kennedy called a generation to serve with his iconic declaration: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” His presidency was marked by bold initiatives, including the Peace Corps, the space race, and efforts to advance civil rights and international peace during the height of the Cold War. Kennedy’s vision of public service was grounded in courage, innovation, and a profound belief in the power of democratic institutions.
The John F. Kennedy Public Service Award commemorates these ideals by recognizing individuals who reflect his legacy—those who lead with integrity, act with compassion, and serve with unwavering dedication to the public good.
To make a nomination for the John F. Kennedy Public Service Award, click HERE.
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Leadership Award
The Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization Leadership Award honors alumni veterans whose lives and careers reflect exceptional leadership, professional excellence, unwavering dedication to public service, and meaningful contributions to the Harvard Veterans community.
Named in tribute to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Class of 1880, the award draws inspiration from his extraordinary legacy. Roosevelt exemplified the very ideals this honor seeks to recognize: as a statesman, reformer, soldier, and scholar, he was a leader of uncommon courage and integrity. His service as a colonel of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War demonstrated fearless leadership under fire, earning him a Medal of Honor and deep respect as a military officer, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of national service. As the 26th President of the United States, he championed progressive reforms, conservation, and a robust vision of American civic duty.
Roosevelt's life was marked by bold action, moral conviction, and a belief that those privileged by education and opportunity, especially at institutions like Harvard, carry a responsibility to serve a cause greater than themselves. His enduring commitment to both the military and public life continues to inspire generations of veterans who strive not only for personal excellence, but also to uplift and support their communities.
Recipients of this award exemplify these same qualities. Through professional achievement, leadership in their fields, a commitment to service, and continued engagement with the Harvard Veterans community, they honor Roosevelt’s legacy and serve as role models for others who follow in their footsteps.
To make a nomination for the Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Leadership Award, click HERE.
Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust Ally Award
The Drew Gilpin Faust Ally Award honors a non-veteran who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and support for Harvard veterans through meaningful efforts to include, support, and honor the military-affiliated community. This award is named in recognition of the profound contributions of Harvard’s 28th President, distinguished historian, and former Dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust exemplifies the core ideals of this award. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in revitalizing Harvard University's relationship with the United States military. Following the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in December 2010, Dr. Faust worked in close partnership with U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus (Harvard JD ’76) to bring the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program back to Harvard’s campus for the first time in nearly four decades. This landmark agreement, signed in 2011, marked a turning point in Harvard’s support for military service, and paved the way for the return of the Army and Air Force ROTC programs in the years that followed.
Throughout her presidency, Dr. Faust consistently demonstrated a deep and personal commitment to honoring Harvard’s veterans and ROTC cadets. She regularly spoke at and supported veteran-focused events, launched the Harvard Veterans History Project, and championed numerous initiatives celebrating military service across Harvard’s libraries and archives.
Dr. Faust retired as President of Harvard University in June 2018 and continues to serve as a professor of history. Her legacy endures not only in the strengthened ties between Harvard and the military, but in the example she set for inclusive, principled, and compassionate leadership.
To make a nomination for the Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust Ally Award, click HERE.
July 3, 1775 - George Washington Takes Command
On July 3, 1775, beneath the broad limbs of the Washington Elm across from Harvard Yard, George Washington drew his sword and took command of the Continental Army. The newly formed force—scrappy, ill-equipped, and deeply regional—had been rallying since April’s clashes at Lexington and Concord. But Congress needed a unifying figure, and they chose Washington, a Virginian, precisely because he wasn’t from Massachusetts.
Though many New Englanders had expected one of their own—perhaps Artemas Ward, a major general already leading troops in Cambridge—to take the top role, political strategy prevailed. Selecting a Southerner signaled unity across the colonies. Washington, solemn and towering in his blue and buff uniform, arrived with a small but capable entourage: his secretary Joseph Reed, future spy chief Thomas Mifflin, and Charles Lee, a brash British-born officer who’d thrown in with the Americans.
Harvard’s campus had become a military barracks—students were sent to Concord, while Hollis Hall and Massachusetts Hall teemed with soldiers. Washington stepped into command amid chaos: short supplies, illness, and an untested chain of command.
And yet, in that moment on Cambridge Common, history pivoted. Washington’s presence lent dignity and direction to a rebellion still uncertain of its course. Under the shadow of Harvard’s spires, he began forging a force not just of soldiers, but of patriots. It was the start of a command that would span eight years—and a revolution that would forge a nation.
Annual Fall BBQ - Tickets on sale now!
Join us in Cambridge for our Annual Fall BBQ! Mingle, eat, and enjoy yard games and music with your fellow veteran alumni. Meet the new ROTC Cadets and Midshipmen, hear from Harvard University and HVAO leadership, and celebrate the annual HVAO award recipients.
Day: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: TBD
Cost: $35 per adult, $10 per child
Click HERE to get your tickets now!
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization newsletter is a publication of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, Inc.. HVAO retains all rights to the content contained therein.
Staff Writer: Joslin Joseph, ALM ‘25
June 2025 Newsletter
It all begins with an idea.
Veteran Graduates Receive their Stoles
Tuesday, May 27th, the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) and the Harvard Extension Veterans Student’s Organization (VSS) hosted the annual Veteran Graduation Ceremony. Held at the historic First Church in Cambridge, the ceremony welcomed over 100 veterans from across all of Harvard’s schools into the “Long Crimson Line”—a proud tradition that recognizes the enduring service and sacrifice of veterans in the Harvard community.
Each graduating veteran was presented with a crimson stole to wear at commencement, symbolizing both their academic achievement and their military service. The ceremony featured the presentation of the colors by the Color Guard from the USS Constitution and a keynote address from Navy veteran and Harvard faculty member, Dr. Eric Goralnik. VSS President Mike Lupia served as Master of Ceremonies, and HVAO Vice President Lydia Rossman rounded out the program by welcoming graduates into the alumni organization. Together, they reflected on the meaning of service, the strength of the veteran community, and the unique journey each veteran has taken to arrive at this moment.
Following the ceremony, graduates gathered under the Washington Elm in Cambridge Common for a commemorative photo. This historic site marks the place where General George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army in 1775, a fitting backdrop for a new generation of leaders who have served their country and now prepare to serve in new ways.
The ceremony highlighted the powerful legacy of military service at Harvard and the bonds that connect veterans across generations. As these graduates move forward, they carry with them not only the education they earned but the honor of continuing a tradition of service, leadership, and resilience.
USS Constitution Color Guard
The USS Constitution Color Guard presented the colors at the Veterans Graduation Celebration.
Color Guard members are: YNS2 Jones, AD2 Davis, QM1 Guenther, and AN Collinsnelson.
Naval Academy graduate and Harvard faculty member, Dr. Eric Goralnik, gave the keynote address to graduates.
Dr. Goralnik reflected on the merits of failure in the journey to success and gave graduates five lessons from the emergency room to live by.
Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization Vice President, Lydia Rossman, congratulated graduates on the results of their hard work and welcomed them into the ranks of the Long Crimson Line.
250 Years of Independence
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the intertwined legacies of George Washington and Harvard University—two pillars of the nation's founding era. Washington’s relationship with Harvard is emblematic of the shared ideals and mutual respect that helped shape the emerging republic.
In July 1775, shortly after being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take command of colonial forces. His headquarters were established in Wadsworth House, a building on Harvard’s campus. The University was already a bastion of revolutionary thought and had seen many of its alumni and faculty join the patriot cause.
Washington's presence at Harvard symbolized the alignment between military leadership and intellectual authority in the fight for independence. In recognition of his leadership and principles, Harvard conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Washington in 1781—its first to a non-graduate military figure. This gesture reflected the university’s commitment to the ideals of liberty, civic virtue, and republican governance that Washington so powerfully embodied.
One of the enduring symbols of Washington’s time in Cambridge is the Washington Elm, believed to have stood near the spot where Washington took command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. Though the original tree no longer stands, its memory is preserved through a commemorative marker and a descendant elm planted in its place. The Washington Elm serves as a living monument to the birth of the American military and Harvard’s proximity to this transformative moment in history.
Two and a half centuries later, the relationship between Washington and Harvard serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the American Revolution. Both the man and the institution contributed to the creation of a nation founded on Enlightenment values and democratic aspirations. As the country commemorates 250 years of independence, honoring the convergence of leadership and learning embodied by Washington and Harvard offers a powerful narrative about the founding and future of the American experiment.
Honoring Those Who Gave All
HVAO Cleans the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
On Saturday, May 31, a group of Harvard Veterans gathered in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to and honor those who were lost during the Vietnam conflict by washing the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Joined by three of our own Vietnam veterans, Tom Reardon, John Simpson, and Josh Lanier, we washed the wall together in quiet reflection and deep gratitude. The spirit of the day was clear: remembrance, respect, and unity. Surrounded by the names of the fallen and the memories they carry, we honored their legacy with every gentle touch of the stone, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Harvard University lost 22 graduates during the conflict in Vietnam. They are George William Casey, Richard Rich, Pieter Ronald van Thiel, Joseph Bion Philipson, Jr., William Newcomer Feaster, Robert Roy Little, Lewis Metcalfe Walling, Jr., James Gable Dunton, William Emerson, Wilson Fitzgerald Halley, Joseph Thomas McKeon, Jr., Edward William Argy, Langdon Gates Burwell, Peter Wyeth Johnson, John Bernard Martin II, Charles Edward Ryburg, Michael Nelson Loitz, Christopher Warren Morgens, Carl Spaulding Thorne-Thomsen, Nelson Ramon Morales, Robert Charles Murray, and Melvin Lederman.
Members of HVAO gather at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C..
Harvard university - a hotbed of revolutionary thought
During the American Revolution, Harvard University’s longstanding academic legacy intersected with the urgent demands of wartime, making the institution a vital asset to the revolutionary cause. Founded in 1636, Harvard was already deeply embedded in the fabric of colonial society by the time hostilities broke out. In a bold demonstration of civic responsibility, the university dismissed its students early and ceded its campus to the Continental Army, transforming its grounds into a strategic base of operations.
This act of sacrifice signaled Harvard’s alignment with the rebellion, not just as a passive observer but as an active participant in the nation’s birth. The presence of a Dunlap broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence in Harvard’s Houghton Library—a rare artifact dispatched by John Hancock to General Artemas Ward—further cements the university’s direct connection to the revolutionary leadership and pivotal moments of 1776.
Beyond its physical contributions, Harvard's ideological influence loomed large in shaping the revolutionary ethos. The university’s alumni filled key roles in the Continental Congress, with eight signers of the Declaration of Independence tracing their roots to Harvard. Figures such as John Adams and Samuel Adams became foundational voices in the call for independence, drawing from the classical and philosophical education they received in Cambridge. Samuel Adams, in particular, channeled his academic background into revolutionary theory; his thesis boldly endorsed the right to resist tyranny, reflecting an early alignment with the principles that would animate the revolution. These intellectual currents within Harvard cultivated a generation of thinkers and leaders who would ultimately articulate and defend the American cause with clarity and conviction.
The individual stories of Harvard graduates underscore the university's role as an incubator for dissent and political leadership. John Hancock, a 1754 alumnus and former treasurer of the university, emerged as a prominent revolutionary and the first signer of the Declaration, despite a tumultuous tenure in university finance. Elbridge Gerry’s master's dissertation opposing the Stamp Act typified the academic resistance to British overreach, linking scholarly critique to broader colonial defiance. These examples reflect how Harvard's academic environment fostered intellectual growth and a strong sense of civic duty and political courage. As both a bastion of revolutionary thought and a logistical supporter of the war effort, Harvard University stood at the intersection of scholarship and statecraft, leaving an indelible mark on the founding of the United States.
The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization newsletter is a publication of the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization, Inc.. HVAO retains all rights to the content contained therein.
Staff Writer: Joslin Joseph, ALM ‘25