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
