Thomas A. Dingman, Deborah Kaufman Goldfine, and Walter H. Morris Jr. have been selected by the Harvard Alumni Association to receive the 2026 Harvard Medal, according to an announcement on Apr. 20. The medals will be presented during Harvard Alumni Day on June 5.
The Harvard Medal was first awarded in 1981 and recognizes extraordinary service to the University in areas such as leadership, fundraising, teaching, innovation, administration, and volunteerism. Eligibility for the award includes alumni, former faculty and staff members, as well as those affiliated with organizations connected to the University.
Dingman is recognized for his long-standing commitment of 45 years at Harvard in roles that shaped undergraduate life. He served as dean of freshmen for thirteen years and introduced initiatives like Convocation and Reflecting on Your Life sessions for first-year students. After retiring in 2018, he continued advising students and planning Commencement events.
Kaufman Goldfine is honored for her decades-long support of athletics at Harvard and her engagement with alumni communities. She played a central role in organizing fundraising events such as the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Harvard Women’s Tennis which raised over $1 million for women’s tennis programs. Her involvement extends to mentoring student-athletes and leading various alumni committees.
Morris is recognized for fostering alumni engagement through his work with the HAA since 1995—including serving as president from 2008 to 2009—and helping expand Shared Interest Groups that connect graduates globally by common interests or backgrounds. He has also contributed through participation in reunion committees and received previous recognition from the University.
Nominations for next year’s medal are open until June 30 via an online form; late nominations will be considered for future cycles.
