125 Famous & Notable Harvard Alumni & Former Students

Few colleges and universities are as famous as Harvard University, and Harvard has the alumni list to back up that reputation! 

Founded in 1636, this Ivy League school boasts world-class faculty members, superior research opportunities, and traditions that are steeped in as much history and pride as the school itself. Every year, thousands of students submit college applications to Harvard, and only about 3 to 4% are invited to attend. 

All of these factors combine to produce some of the world’s most brilliant minds and influential people. Here is a list of the top 125 most famous Havard alumni, including presidents, entrepreneurs, celebrities, artists, and more!

If you’re interested in who is included among Harvard University’s most famous and notable alumni, it won’t take you too long to begin recognizing names! The list is an impressive “who’s who” of Harvard graduates. 

You’ll find famous actors, scientists, and humanitarians, not to mention eight presidents of the United States: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Harvard University’s main campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. Today, over 7,100 undergraduates call the 5,076-acre campus home. There, they engage with rigorous academics, engaging extracurriculars, and exceptional networking opportunities.

Harvard has 13 schools within the university, including the:

• T.H. Chan School of Public Health 
• Harvard Business School 
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine 
• Harvard Divinity School 
• Harvard Kennedy School 
• Harvard Medical School 
• Harvard Graduate School of Education 
• Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 
• Harvard Graduate School of Design
• John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 
• Harvard College
• Harvard Law School

Each Harvard University alumnus story was shaped by the time spent on Harvard’s campus: the challenging classes, the close-knit undergraduate community, and the dreams each alumnus had while they walked the grounds of the esteemed university.

Every class of Harvard graduates is a new group of potential celebrities, world leaders, and influencers. So, let’s run down of some of the most famous Harvard alumni to ever walk the campus:

Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A Harvard Law School graduate, Obama became the first African American to hold the office. His presidency was marked by significant policy achievements, including the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as "Obamacare," which expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. Before his presidency, Obama was a community organizer, Illinois state senator, and US senator. His charismatic leadership and eloquent oratory skills earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.

Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States, who is married to the 44th president, Barack Obama. A graduate of Harvard Law School, she has been a powerful advocate for healthy families, veterans, higher education, and international adolescent girls' education. Her memoir, Becoming, became a bestseller, offering an intimate look at her life, including her years in the White House and her initiatives like the "Let's Move!" campaign.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, is remembered for his charismatic leadership and the significant events of his presidency, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the establishment of the Peace Corps, and his famous call to put a man on the moon. A Harvard graduate with a degree in government, Kennedy left a lasting impact on the nation.

Al Gore served as the 45th Vice President of the United States under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. He is a Harvard graduate with a degree in government and went on to become a prominent environmental activist. Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to combat climate change, including his documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which raised awareness about global warming.

George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and he was the first president with an MBA degree. His presidency (2001-2009) was marked by the events of September 11, 2001, the War on Terror, and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Bush's tenure also saw significant tax cuts, education reform, and efforts to address the financial crisis of 2008.

Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder and CEO of Facebook, one of the world's largest social media platforms. A former Harvard student, Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his dorm room in 2004 as a social networking site for Harvard students. The platform quickly expanded to other universities and eventually to the public, revolutionizing how people connect and share information online.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from 1993 until her death in 2020. A Harvard Law School alumna, she was a pioneering advocate for gender equality and women's rights. Ginsburg co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union and argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, earning her a reputation as a legal trailblazer and cultural icon.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for making complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. A Harvard graduate in physics, Tyson has hosted several educational TV shows, including NOVA ScienceNow and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. His engaging style and passion for science have inspired many to explore and appreciate the wonders of the universe.

Natalie Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her versatility and depth in roles ranging from blockbuster films to independent dramas. A Harvard graduate with a degree in psychology, Portman balanced her studies with a successful acting career. She is known for her roles in Black Swan, Star Wars, and V for Vendetta, and she is highly respected for her intelligence, talent, and advocacy for various social and political causes.

Sheryl Sandberg is the former Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue their ambitions and challenges societal norms around gender roles. Sandberg earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA from Harvard, and she has been a leading voice in technology and business, advocating for female empowerment in the workplace.

Robert F. Kennedy, known as "Bobby," was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as the U.S. Attorney General and later as a US Senator. A Harvard graduate with a degree in government, Kennedy was a leading advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion for the underprivileged and oppressed.

Noam Chomsky is a renowned linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and social critic. A Harvard graduate, Chomsky is often called the "father of modern linguistics,'' and he has made significant contributions to the study of language, philosophy, and cognitive science. Chomsky is also known for his outspoken criticism of U.S. foreign policy and advocacy for social justice and human rights.

Leonard Bernstein was a legendary composer, conductor, and music educator, best known for his work on the Broadway musical West Side Story. After earning his undergraduate degree from Harvard, Bernstein enjoyed a five-decade career and became one of the most influential figures in American music. His dynamic conducting style and dedication to music education inspired generations of musicians and music lovers.

T.S. Eliot was a poet, playwright, and literary critic, considered one of the most important figures in modernist literature. Originally from England, Eliot came to America to study at Harvard. His notable works include "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," "The Waste Land," and "Four Quartets." Eliot’s innovative use of language and exploration of complex themes earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948.

Ben Bernanke is an economist who served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve from 2006 to 2014. A Harvard graduate with a degree in economics, Bernanke's tenure at the Fed was marked by his response to the 2008 financial crisis, implementing unconventional monetary policies to stabilize the economy. His leadership during this critical period has been widely studied and debated by economists and policymakers.

Susan Wojcicki is the former CEO of YouTube and a prominent figure in the technology industry. A Harvard graduate with a degree in history and literature, Wojcicki played a key role in the early development of Google, including the acquisition of YouTube. Under her leadership, YouTube grew into one of the world's largest video-sharing platforms, revolutionizing how content is created and consumed online.

Ratan Tata is an Indian industrialist and philanthropist who served as the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of one of India's largest and most respected conglomerates, the Tata Group. A Harvard Business School alumnus, Tata transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse with investments in various industries, including steel, automobiles, and hospitality. His leadership and commitment to social responsibility have made him a revered figure in the business world.

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate, Ban's tenure at the UN focused on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping. His diplomatic efforts and advocacy for global cooperation have left a lasting impact on international relations.

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, graduated from Harvard College in 1880. Known for his robust personality and progressive policies, Roosevelt transformed the presidency with his assertive approach to domestic and foreign policy. As a Harvard student, he was deeply engaged in academics and extracurricular activities, developing a lifelong interest in natural history. His presidency is marked by significant achievements, including the establishment of national parks, the construction of the Panama Canal, and Progressive Era legislation. Roosevelt's legacy as a reformer and conservationist continues to influence American politics and environmental policies.

Michael Bloomberg, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and politician, earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is the founder and CEO of Bloomberg L.P., a global financial services and media company. Bloomberg served as the Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013, implementing significant public health and environmental policies. His philanthropy focuses on education, public health, and the arts, with substantial donations to various institutions, including his alma mater. Bloomberg's influence extends beyond business and politics, as he continues to advocate for climate change awareness and gun control.

John Adams, the second President of the United States, graduated from Harvard College in 1755. A leading figure in the American Revolution, Adams played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. However, his presidency proved turbulent, with the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts and efforts to avoid war with France. Adams' commitment to American independence and governance helped shape the early foundations of the United States. 

Natalie Merchant, a singer-songwriter, attended Harvard University but did not graduate. She began her career as the lead vocalist for the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs before embarking on a successful solo career. Merchant's music, characterized by her distinctive vocal quality and poetic lyrics, often explores themes of social justice and personal introspection. Her solo albums, including Tigerlily and Ophelia, have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Merchant is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various causes such as arts education and environmental conservation.

Pete Buttigieg, a politician and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History and Literature. He later attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Buttigieg gained national attention during his 2020 presidential campaign, becoming the first openly gay major presidential candidate. Buttigieg's intellectual background and policy-oriented approach have positioned him as a rising star in American politics, advocating for issues such as infrastructure, climate change, and economic equality.

Jeremy Lin, a professional basketball player, graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Economics. Lin rose to fame with the New York Knicks during the 2011-2012 NBA season, a period known as "Linsanity," due to his unexpectedly high level of performance. As one of the few Asian-American players in the NBA, Lin has been a trailblazer and an inspiration for many, becoming a role model both on and off the court. Lin continues to play professionally and is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and youth development.

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics. During his time at Harvard, he was a manager for the football team and a contributor to the Harvard Advocate. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and played a pivotal role in the company's growth, serving as CEO from 2000 to 2014. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded its product range and global presence. Ballmer is also known for his philanthropy and ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers. His dynamic leadership style and business acumen have made him a significant figure in the tech industry.

Roger Kornberg, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is renowned for his research on the molecular basis of eukaryotic transcription, which has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic regulation. Kornberg's groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2006. His contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology have had a profound impact on scientific research and medicine building on the legacy of his father, Arthur Kornberg, who also won a Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Paul Samuelson, a pioneering economist and Nobel Prize winner, earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Samuelson is often regarded as the father of modern economics, having made significant contributions to economic theory and policy. His textbook, Economics, became one of the most widely used economics texts in the world. Samuelson was the first American to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1970. His work laid the foundation for many areas of economic research and policy, influencing generations of economists and politicians.

James Rothman, a distinguished cell biologist, earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries in the field of vesicle trafficking, which is crucial for understanding how cells transport molecules. Rothman's research revealed the complex processes by which vesicles, tiny sacs within cells, move and deliver their cargo to specific destinations. This work has vast implications for understanding diseases related to cellular transport mechanisms. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Rothman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013. His research continues to influence the fields of cell biology and medicine, providing insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic targets.

Robert Merton, an influential economist and Nobel laureate, completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University. Merton is best known for his work on the Black-Scholes-Merton model, which revolutionized the field of financial economics by providing a method for pricing options and other derivatives. His contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of risk management and financial markets. In 1997, Merton was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. His academic career includes professorships at Harvard and MIT, where he has mentored numerous students and continued to innovate in financial theory. Merton's work remains foundational in both academic research and practical applications in finance.

Michael Kremer, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Ph.D. from Harvard University. Kremer is renowned for his contributions to development economics, particularly through his work on randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions in alleviating poverty. His innovative approaches have impacted education, health, and agriculture policies in developing countries. In 2019, Kremer was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. His work continues to influence policymakers and development practitioners worldwide, advocating for evidence-based decision-making.

Saul Perlmutter, an astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, received his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University. Perlmutter is best known for his leadership in the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe, a finding that led to the recognition of dark energy as a dominant force in the cosmos. This groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011. Perlmutter's research has had profound implications for cosmology, altering our understanding of the universe's fate and composition. He continues to conduct influential research and mentor the next generation of physicists, contributing to the advancement of astrophysics.

Amartya Sen, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and philosopher, completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University. Sen's work has significantly influenced welfare economics, social choice theory, and development economics. His groundbreaking research on poverty, inequality, and human capabilities has shaped global development policies and academic discourse. In 1998, Sen was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to welfare economics. He has held prestigious academic positions at Harvard and other leading institutions, advocating for human rights, social justice, and economic development. Sen's work continues to inspire policymakers and scholars worldwide.

William Faulkner, an acclaimed writer and Nobel Prize laureate, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Faulkner is celebrated for his novels and short stories that explore the complexities of life in the American South. His innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insights have made him a central figure in American literature. Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949 for his powerful and artistically unique contributions. His works, including The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying, remain influential, studied for their stylistic mastery and profound themes of identity, morality, and the  human experience.

Toni Morrison, a Nobel Prize-winning author, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Morrison's novels, including Beloved, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye, explore African American life through richly textured narratives and complex characters. Her work addresses complex themes of race, identity, and history, earning her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Morrison's contributions to literature and cultural discourse have had a lasting impact, and her legacy continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.

Bob Dylan, an iconic musician and Nobel Prize laureate, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Dylan's influence on music and culture spans more than five decades, with his songs combining social and political issues, personal reflection, and poetic expression. His innovative use of language and genre has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his impactful contributions to songwriting. His work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary music and cultural history.

Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Annan's tenure as UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006 was marked by efforts to reform the organization and address global challenges such as poverty, human rights abuses, and conflict resolution. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his work in fostering a better organized and more peaceful world. Annan's leadership and advocacy for international cooperation and human rights have left a lasting legacy, influencing global policies and humanitarian efforts.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Sirleaf's presidency, which lasted from 2006 to 2018, was marked by efforts to rebuild Liberia's economy and infrastructure following years of civil war. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in promoting peace, democracy, and gender equality. Sirleaf's leadership has been instrumental in advancing women's rights and economic development in Africa, earning her international recognition as a champion of peace and good governance.

Doris Lessing, a Nobel Prize-winning author, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Lessing's prolific literary career includes works such as The Golden Notebook and The Grass is Singing, which probes themes of feminism, social justice, and human psychology. Her unique narrative style and deep exploration of complex social issues earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007. Lessing's contributions to literature have had a profound impact, challenging societal norms and inspiring readers to reflect on the human condition.

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Yousafzai gained international recognition for her advocacy for girls' education in Pakistan, surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012. Her bravery and determination have made her a global symbol of the fight for education and women's rights. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Yousafzai continues to champion education and empowerment for girls through the Malala Fund, inspiring young people around the world to pursue education and fight for social justice.

Juan Manuel Santos, a Colombian politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Santos served as President of Colombia from 2010 to 2018 and is best known for his efforts to end the Colombian conflict, a civil war that lasted over 50 years. His administration negotiated a historic peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016. Santos's commitment to peace, democracy, and economic development has made a lasting impact on Colombia and serves as a model for conflict resolution worldwide. His education at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government played a crucial role in shaping his approach to governance and diplomacy.

Walter Gilbert is a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and physicist who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and spent much of his distinguished career at Harvard University, where he served as a professor of molecular biology and biochemistry. Gilbert is best known for developing a groundbreaking method for sequencing DNA, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980, shared with Frederick Sanger and Paul Berg. His work was instrumental in launching the era of modern genomics, and he was an early advocate for the Human Genome Project. Gilbert also co-founded the biotechnology company Biogen, demonstrating his ability to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial innovation. His contributions to molecular biology have had a lasting impact on genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.

Edward Mills Purcell, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University. Purcell is best known for his discovery of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in liquids, a breakthrough that has had far-reaching applications in chemistry, physics, and medicine. His work on NMR laid the foundation for the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a critical tool in medical diagnostics. Purcell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1952 for his contributions to this field. Throughout his career, he continued to make significant contributions to physics, and he was a respected professor at Harvard.

Theodore W. Richards, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Richards is celebrated for his precise determinations of atomic weights, which significantly advanced the field of chemistry. His meticulous work provided a deeper understanding of atomic structure and paved the way for future discoveries in chemical science. In 1914, Richards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his achievements. His legacy endures through his contributions to chemical research and influence on generations of chemists.

Adam Riess, an astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University. Riess is renowned for his work on the accelerated expansion of the universe, a discovery that provided compelling evidence for the existence of dark energy. His research, conducted as part of the High-z Supernova Search Team, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011. Riess's findings have had a profound impact on our understanding of cosmology, and he continues to be an influential figure in astrophysical research.

Frederick C. Robbins, a Nobel Prize-winning virologist, earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Robbins is best known for his work on the cultivation of the poliovirus in tissue culture, a breakthrough that was crucial for the development of the polio vaccine. This achievement earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954. Robbins's contributions have had a lasting impact on virology and public health, playing a key role in the fight against poliomyelitis. His work continues to inspire advancements in medical research and vaccine development.

W.E.B. Du Bois, the renowned sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the NAACP, received his second bachelor's degree from Harvard in 1890 and later became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from the university in 1895. At Harvard, Du Bois honed his research skills and developed his sociological approach to studying race relations in America. His doctoral dissertation, "The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade to the United States of America, 1638-1870," became an influential work in the field. 

Helen Keller, the famous author, political activist, and lecturer, became the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree when she graduated from Radcliffe College (which later merged with Harvard) in 1904. Her time at Harvard/Radcliffe was a testament to her extraordinary determination and intellect. Keller studied a wide range of subjects, including English literature, Latin, Greek, German, and philosophy. Her academic achievements, accomplished with the help of her teacher and companion Anne Sullivan, challenged societal perceptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1969, Maurice Alberto Rocca is a humorist, actor, and journalist who graduated from Harvard University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in literature. He is a regular panelist on the radio quiz show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and got his start in television writing and producing children’s shows. At Havard, Rocca was the president of the school’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals, where he co-wrote and performed in four burlesques and co-wrote, and he also starred in Little Shop of Horrors opposite future Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Famous comedian Conan O’Brien graduated from Harvard magna cum laude in 1985. He is currently a TV host, writer, producer, and comedian who is best known for his late-night talk shows, especially Late Night with Conan O’Brien. While at Harvard University, O’Brien wrote for and was the president of The Harvard Lampoon, the campus humor magazine.

Actor Matt Damon has been named one of Forbes’ most bankable stars. He studied theater and English at Harvard, but he dropped out (with just one semester to go) to pursue acting. Damon’s films, including Good Will Hunting, The Martian, and The Bourne Identity, have grossed almost $4 billion at the box office.

William Henry Gates III is the co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, revolutionizing the late 20th century tech landscape. He is a business magnate, philanthropist, and investor. He attended Harvard University from 1973 to 1975 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 2007.

Frederick Hubbard Gwynne was a famous actor who was praised for his roles in a couple of hit 1960s sitcoms, especially The Munsters, and films like My Cousin Vinny and Pet Sematary. Gwynne was also an avid painter, writer, and illustrator of several children’s books. He graduated from Harvard University in 1951. While at the school, he was a member of the a cappella group, the Harvard Krokodiloes.

World-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma graduated from Harvard University in 1976. He was a child prodigy who began performing at four and a half years old. He went to Harvard after dropping out of Columbia University and Juilliard. Yo-Yo Ma was also granted an honorary doctorate from Harvard in 1991.

American actress Ashley Judd, daughter of country music legend Naomi Judd, graduated from Harvard University in 2010, where she received her mid-career master’s degree in public administration. Judd is primarily known as an actress and goodwill ambassador.

Rashida Jones is an actress best known for her roles in Parks and Recreation, The Office, and Angie Tribeca. She is a 1997 graduate of Harvard University, where she studied comparative religion. Jones participated in several student organizations during her time on campus, including the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, Harvard Opportunes, Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club, and the Black Students Association.

American actress Stockard Channing is instantly recognizable from her role as Rizzo in Grease, but she also appeared in films like Practical Magic and tv shows like The West Wing. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1965 after studying history and literature at Harvard’s Radcliffe College.

American actress Amy Brenneman earned her degree in comparative religion from Harvard in 1987. She is best known as Detective Janice Licalsi in the long-running hit television show NYPD Blue and as Judge Amy Gray in the show Judging Amy.

Born on December 10, 1965, comedian Greg Giraldo graduated from Harvard Law School in 1990. Known as one of the funniest dark humor comedians and greatest American stand-up comics, Giraldo passed away in September 2010. He is remembered for his work on Comedy Central shows like Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.

Famous American actor Tommy Lee Jones graduated cum laude in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During his time as an upperclassman at Harvard, Jones was roommates with former U.S. vice president Al Gore. He was also a guard on the school’s undefeated 1968 football team who participated in the most famous football game in Ivy League history, a Harvard vs. Yale game where Harvard came back from a 16-point deficit to win in the last few minutes. 

American actor John Lithgow attended Harvard and graduated magna cum laude with an applied baccalaureate in 1967. Born in Rochester, New York, the actor studied English literature at Harvard and lived in Adams House as an undergrad. Later, he served on the university’s Board of Overseers. Lithgow credits his performance in Utopia, Limited at Harvard with influencing his decision to begin acting. After graduation, he went on to win awards for roles in Conclave, The Crown, Dexter, and 3rd Rock from the Sun

Deval Patrick is an American politician, attorney, and businessman who served as the 71st Governor of Massachusetts from 2007 to 2015, becoming only the second African American governor in the nation's history. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Patrick began his legal career as a civil rights attorney at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund before serving as the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division under President Bill Clinton. His governorship was marked by investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and he later briefly entered the 2020 presidential race. Patrick's journey from the South Side of Chicago to the governor's office embodies the transformative power of education and determination.

Charles Krauthammer was a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, political commentator, and physician. He earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, where a diving accident during his first year left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this life-changing event, Krauthammer completed his medical degree on time and went on to practice psychiatry before transitioning to a career in journalism and political commentary. His column in The Washington Post became one of the most influential in American media, known for its sharp analysis of foreign policy and politics. Krauthammer passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected conservative intellectuals of his era.

Jack Lemmon was a beloved Academy Award-winning actor known for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. A Harvard graduate in War Service Sciences, Lemmon earned his bachelor's degree in 1947. During his time at Harvard, he was active in the university's dramatic clubs, including the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, where he honed his performance skills. Lemmon went on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, starring in iconic films such as Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, The Odd Couple, and Glengarry Glen Ross. He won two Academy Awards during his career and was widely admired for his warmth, wit, and exceptional range as a performer.

Frank Rich is an acclaimed American journalist, author, and essayist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in American History and Literature. He is best known for his tenure as the chief drama critic of The New York Times, where his reviews wielded enormous influence over Broadway productions, earning him the nickname "The Butcher of Broadway." Rich later transitioned to writing a political opinion column for the Times before joining New York Magazine as a writer-at-large. His books, including Ghost Light and The Greatest Story Ever Sold, have been widely praised for their incisive commentary on American culture and politics.

Darren Aronofsky is a critically acclaimed film director, screenwriter, and producer who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Social Anthropology. While at Harvard, Aronofsky studied filmmaking and created several student films that showcased his distinctive visual style. He burst onto the independent film scene with his debut feature Pi in 1998, which won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Aronofsky went on to direct a string of ambitious and visually arresting films, including Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan, and The Whale. His bold storytelling and unflinching exploration of obsession and human frailty have established him as one of the most daring filmmakers of his generation.

Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned economist, academic, and public policy analyst who earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. He became one of the youngest tenured professors in Harvard's history and served as director of the Harvard Institute for International Development. Sachs is best known for his work as an advisor to governments around the world on economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. He has served as a special advisor to multiple United Nations Secretaries-General and is the author of influential books such as The End of Poverty and The Age of Sustainable Development. His advocacy for global health initiatives and debt relief for developing nations has made him one of the most prominent voices in international economics.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author and one of the most celebrated literary voices of her generation. She earned a Master of Arts degree in African Studies from Harvard University's Radcliffe Institute. Adichie's novels, including Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah, have received widespread critical acclaim for their nuanced exploration of identity, immigration, race, and gender. Her TED Talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," has been viewed millions of times, and her essay "We Should All Be Feminists" was adapted into a bestselling book. Adichie has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship, and she continues to be a powerful voice for diversity and representation in literature and public discourse.

Lloyd Blankfein is an American businessman who served as the Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs from 2006 to 2018. A graduate of Harvard College with a degree in History, Blankfein went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School as well. He began his career as a tax lawyer before joining Goldman Sachs in 1982, where he rose through the ranks of the firm's commodities division. His leadership during the 2008 financial crisis drew both praise for steering the firm through turbulent times and criticism for the broader role of investment banks in the crisis. Blankfein is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

Marjorie Liu is an acclaimed comic book writer and novelist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in East Asian Studies. She is best known for her work on Monstress, a critically acclaimed comic series co-created with artist Sana Takeda, which has won multiple Eisner Awards and Hugo Awards. Liu was also the first woman to win an Eisner Award for Best Writer. In addition to her comics work, she has written several bestselling paranormal romance novels. Her storytelling, which often blends elements of mythology, fantasy, and social commentary, has earned her a devoted following and critical recognition as one of the most talented writers in contemporary comics.

Nicholas Kristof is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. He has spent much of his career as a columnist for The New York Times, where his reporting has focused on human rights, global health, and social justice issues around the world. Kristof has won two Pulitzer Prizes for his work, including coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in China and the genocide in Darfur. His books, co-authored with his wife Sheryl WuDunn, include Half the Sky and Tightrope, which examine issues of poverty, gender inequality, and the erosion of the American middle class. Kristof's journalism has brought attention to some of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.

Jhumpa Lahiri is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her elegant prose and exploration of the immigrant experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Barnard College and completed multiple graduate degrees from Boston University. Lahiri's debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000, and her subsequent works, including The Namesake and Unaccustomed Earth, have cemented her reputation as one of the finest contemporary American writers. Her writing explores themes of cultural dislocation, family, and the search for identity with sensitivity and grace.

Terrence Malick is an enigmatic and highly respected film director and screenwriter who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Philosophy. After Harvard, Malick studied at the American Film Institute and began his filmmaking career with Badlands in 1973, followed by Days of Heaven in 1978, which won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Known for his poetic visual style and philosophical approach to storytelling, Malick took a twenty-year hiatus before returning with The Thin Red Line in 1998. His later films, including The Tree of Life, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, have further solidified his reputation as one of cinema's most visionary auteurs. Malick is notoriously private and rarely gives interviews, adding to the mystique surrounding his work.

Arne Duncan is an American education policy leader who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Sociology. He served as the United States Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015, the longest-serving education secretary in decades. Before joining the Obama administration, Duncan served as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, where he implemented a range of reforms aimed at improving student achievement. As Secretary of Education, he championed the Race to the Top initiative, which encouraged states to adopt higher academic standards and innovative approaches to education. Duncan has been a prominent advocate for education reform, focusing on issues such as equity, teacher quality, and college readiness.

Jim Cramer is a television personality, author, and former hedge fund manager who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School. Cramer is best known as the host of CNBC's Mad Money with Jim Cramer, where his energetic and entertaining style of stock market analysis has made him one of the most recognizable faces in financial television. Before his media career, Cramer worked on Wall Street and co-founded the financial news website TheStreet. His books, including Jim Cramer's Real Money and Mad Money, have introduced millions of viewers and readers to the world of investing.

Linda Greenhouse is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. She spent more than thirty years covering the United States Supreme Court for The New York Times, becoming one of the most respected legal journalists in the country. Her meticulous reporting and deep understanding of constitutional law earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Beat Reporting in 1998. Greenhouse is also the author of several books on the Supreme Court, including Becoming Justice Blackmun and Just a Journalist. Since retiring from the Times, she has served as a lecturer at Yale Law School, continuing to contribute to public understanding of the judiciary.

Richard Olney was a distinguished culinary writer, cooking teacher, and authority on French cuisine who studied Fine Arts at Harvard University. He is best known for his influential books on French cooking, including Simple French Food and The French Menu Cookbook, which introduced American audiences to the principles and pleasures of traditional French home cooking. Olney spent much of his adult life in Provence, France, where he became deeply immersed in the local food and wine culture. He also served as the chief consultant and contributor to the Time-Life The Good Cook series. Olney's contributions to culinary literature helped shape the way Americans think about and appreciate French food.

Janet Yellen is an American economist who has served in some of the highest economic positions in the United States government. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University and has been closely associated with the Harvard academic community throughout her career. Yellen served as the Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, becoming the first woman to hold the position. In 2021, she was confirmed as the 78th United States Secretary of the Treasury, again making history as the first woman in that role. Her expertise in labor economics and monetary policy has shaped American economic policy for decades, and she is widely respected for her data-driven approach and commitment to reducing inequality.

John Roberts is the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, having been appointed by President George W. Bush in 2005. A graduate of Harvard College with a degree in History, Roberts went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he served as managing editor of the Harvard Law Review. Before joining the Supreme Court, Roberts clerked for then-Associate Justice William Rehnquist, served in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, and built a successful career in private practice and appellate advocacy. As Chief Justice, Roberts has presided over a court that has decided landmark cases on healthcare, voting rights, and executive power. He is known for his emphasis on judicial minimalism and institutional legitimacy.

Kai-Fu Lee is a Taiwanese-born American computer scientist, venture capitalist, and AI expert who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Columbia University and his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. Lee has held executive positions at Apple, Microsoft, and Google, where he served as the founding president of Google China. He is the founder and CEO of Sinovation Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on artificial intelligence and technology in China. His bestselling book, AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, has become essential reading for understanding the global AI landscape.

Esther Duflo is a French-American economist who earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2019, Duflo was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, along with Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer, for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. At the time of her award, she was the youngest person and only the second woman ever to win the Nobel Prize in Economics. Her work has focused on using randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-poverty programs in areas such as education, health, and microfinance. Duflo is also the co-author of the acclaimed book Poor Economics, which offers a fresh perspective on the fight against global poverty.

Anthony Kennedy is a retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, having served from 1988 to 2018. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Kennedy was appointed to the Court by President Ronald Reagan. During his three decades on the bench, Kennedy was often regarded as the Court's swing vote, casting the deciding opinion in numerous landmark cases. He authored the majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 ruling that established the constitutional right to same-sex marriage. Kennedy's tenure was also marked by significant rulings on free speech, the death penalty, and executive power. His judicial philosophy, which emphasized individual dignity and liberty, left an enduring mark on American constitutional law.

Buzz Aldrin is a former astronaut and one of the first two humans to set foot on the Moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He earned his Doctor of Science degree in Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 11, Aldrin followed Neil Armstrong onto the lunar surface, where they spent approximately two and a half hours conducting experiments and collecting samples. After retiring from NASA and the U.S. Air Force, Aldrin became an advocate for space exploration, particularly for human missions to Mars. His books, lectures, and public appearances have kept the dream of space exploration alive for generations.

Eric Maskin is a Nobel Prize-winning economist who earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is best known for his contributions to mechanism design theory, which examines how institutions and rules can be designed to achieve desired outcomes, even when individuals have private information. This work earned him the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2007, which he shared with Leonid Hurwicz and Roger Myerson. Maskin has held faculty positions at MIT, Harvard, and the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. His research has had far-reaching implications for auction theory, regulation, and political science, and he is regarded as one of the most influential economists of his generation.

Robert Frost is one of the most celebrated and beloved poets in American literature. He attended Harvard University as a special student from 1897 to 1899 but did not graduate. Despite leaving Harvard, Frost went on to become one of the most prolific and widely read poets of the 20th century. His works, including "The Road Not Taken," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," and "Mending Wall," are renowned for their vivid depiction of rural New England life and their exploration of universal human themes. Frost won four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry during his career and recited his poem "The Gift Outright" at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961.

Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for her confessional style of writing that explored themes of mental illness, identity, and the female experience. She graduated summa cum laude from Smith College and later attended the University of Cambridge on a Fulbright Scholarship. Plath's semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar and her poetry collection Ariel are considered masterpieces of 20th-century literature. Her raw, unflinching exploration of depression, anger, and creativity has made her one of the most studied and admired writers of her era. Plath was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry posthumously in 1982.

James Blake is a former professional tennis player who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Economics. He was one of the top-ranked American tennis players during his career, reaching a career-high singles ranking of number four in the world. Blake was known for his powerful forehand and athleticism on the court, and he competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments. Beyond tennis, Blake has been an advocate for social justice and wrote a memoir, Breaking Back, about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a serious neck injury and the death of his father. After retiring from professional tennis, Blake has remained active in sports commentary and philanthropy.

Lawrence Summers is a prominent American economist who earned his Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has served in several high-profile government roles, including as the United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton from 1999 to 2001 and as Director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama. Summers also served as the 27th President of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006. His career has been marked by both significant policy achievements and public controversies. Summers remains an influential voice in economic policy, frequently contributing to discussions on fiscal policy, financial regulation, and economic inequality.

Shaun Donovan is an American public policy leader who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Engineering and later earned both a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Architecture from Harvard. He served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2014, followed by a role as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. During his tenure at HUD, Donovan focused on addressing the housing crisis, combating homelessness, and rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. His career reflects a deep commitment to using design and policy to improve urban communities and address housing inequality.

David Halberstam was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who graduated from Harvard University. He is best known for his courageous reporting on the Vietnam War as a young correspondent for The New York Times, work that earned him the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1964. Halberstam's reporting from Vietnam challenged the optimistic narratives being presented by the U.S. government and military, helping to shift public perception of the war. He went on to write more than 20 books on subjects ranging from politics and war to sports and media, including The Best and the Brightest, The Powers That Be, and The Teammates. Halberstam's legacy as a fearless journalist and storyteller endures as a model of investigative reporting.

Dara Khosrowshahi is an Iranian-American businessman and the CEO of Uber Technologies. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Before joining Uber in 2017, Khosrowshahi served as the CEO of Expedia Group for over a decade, transforming it into one of the world's largest online travel companies. At Uber, he has focused on rebuilding the company's corporate culture, pursuing profitability, and expanding services such as Uber Eats and Uber Freight. His leadership has been credited with stabilizing the company during a period of significant transition.

Peter Benchley was an American author, screenwriter, and ocean conservationist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English. He is best known for writing the novel Jaws, published in 1974, which became a massive bestseller and was adapted into the iconic 1975 Steven Spielberg film that revolutionized Hollywood's approach to blockbuster filmmaking. Benchley also co-wrote the screenplay for the film. Later in life, he became a passionate advocate for ocean conservation, writing extensively about marine life and the need to protect endangered species such as sharks. His transition from thriller writer to environmentalist reflected a deep personal commitment to correcting the misperceptions about sharks that his own novel had helped to create.

Nicholas Negroponte is a Greek-American architect, computer scientist, and technology visionary who earned both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the founder and chairman emeritus of the MIT Media Lab, one of the world's leading research laboratories for innovation and technology. Negroponte is also the founder of the One Laptop per Child initiative, which aimed to provide affordable laptops to children in developing countries to improve education outcomes. His bestselling book Being Digital was a prescient exploration of how digital technology would transform communication, entertainment, and daily life.

Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is a Maldivian politician who served as the sixth President of the Maldives from 2013 to 2018. He earned his Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. During his presidency, Yameen oversaw significant infrastructure development in the Maldives, including the construction of a major bridge connecting the capital, Malé, to the airport island. However, his tenure was also marked by controversy, including allegations of corruption, the suppression of political opposition, and restrictions on press freedom. After leaving office, Yameen was convicted on charges of money laundering and corruption. His political career remains a subject of significant debate in Maldivian politics.

Eric Garcetti is an American politician and diplomat who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Political Science. He went on to attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and later earned his Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. Garcetti served as the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2022, focusing on issues such as transportation, homelessness, and sustainability. During his tenure, he helped secure Los Angeles as the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Garcetti was later nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the United States Ambassador to India, a position he assumed in 2023. His career reflects a blend of local governance and international diplomacy.

Jim Koch is an American entrepreneur and businessman who earned his MBA and his law degree from Harvard University. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Boston Beer Company, maker of Samuel Adams beer, one of the most recognized craft beer brands in America. Koch's decision to leave a career in management consulting to start a brewery in the mid-1980s helped launch the American craft beer revolution. Under his leadership, Boston Beer Company grew from a small startup into one of the largest independent craft breweries in the United States. Koch is widely regarded as a pioneer in the craft brewing industry and continues to be an advocate for small business entrepreneurship.

Bonnie Raitt is a Grammy Award-winning musician, singer, and songwriter who attended Harvard University but did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue her music career full-time. Known for her distinctive blend of blues, rock, country, and folk music, Raitt has been a fixture of the American music scene for over five decades. Her album Nick of Time won three Grammy Awards in 1990, including Album of the Year, and marked a major commercial breakthrough. Raitt is celebrated for her slide guitar skills, soulful vocals, and commitment to social and environmental activism. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and continues to tour and record, inspiring new generations of musicians.

David Rockefeller was an American banker, philanthropist, and member of the prominent Rockefeller family. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University before completing his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago. Rockefeller served as CEO and chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank, steering the institution through a period of significant global expansion. He was also a leading philanthropist, donating hundreds of millions of dollars to institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller University, and Harvard University. His influence in international affairs, banking, and philanthropy made him one of the most powerful and well-connected individuals of the 20th century. Rockefeller passed away in 2017 at the age of 101.

Timothy Geithner is an American economist and public policy leader who graduated from Dartmouth College and earned a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. Geithner served as the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. Before that, he served as President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he played a central role in the government's response to the 2008 financial crisis. Geithner's memoir, Stress Test, provides a detailed account of the decisions and challenges faced during one of the most turbulent economic periods in modern history.

Ursula Burns is an American businesswoman and engineer who earned her Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Burns made history as the first African American woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she became CEO of Xerox Corporation in 2009. Under her leadership, Xerox navigated a significant transformation from a traditional document technology company to a services-oriented enterprise. Burns has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards and continues to be a powerful advocate for diversity, STEM education, and corporate responsibility.

Rivers Cuomo is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Weezer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Harvard University in 2006, having initially enrolled in the late 1990s while Weezer was already an established band. Cuomo's decision to attend Harvard while maintaining his music career was unconventional and drew widespread attention. Weezer has produced numerous hit albums and singles, including "Buddy Holly," "Say It Ain't So," and "Beverly Hills," earning the band a devoted fan base and multiple platinum certifications. Cuomo's songwriting is known for its blend of power pop melodies, introspective lyrics, and quirky humor.

Caroline Kennedy is an American author, attorney, and diplomat who graduated from Harvard Law School. The daughter of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, she has been a prominent public figure throughout her life. Kennedy served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 and was later appointed as the United States Ambassador to Australia in 2022. She is the author and editor of several books, including A Patriot's Handbook and Poems to Learn by Heart. Kennedy has also been active in education and nonprofit work, particularly through the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Her career in public service reflects the legacy of her family's deep commitment to American civic life.

Neil Rudenstine is an American academic and scholar who served as the 26th President of Harvard University from 1991 to 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Princeton University and later studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar before completing his Ph.D. in English at Harvard. During his presidency, Rudenstine led a major capital campaign that raised over $2.6 billion for the university, the largest fundraising effort in the history of higher education at that time. He focused on strengthening financial aid, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding Harvard's global engagement. Rudenstine is also a noted literary scholar, with particular expertise in the poetry of Sir Philip Sidney and the English Renaissance.

Mazie Hirono is an American politician who graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She later earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Hirono has represented Hawaii in the United States Senate since 2013, making history as the first Asian-American woman and the first Buddhist elected to the Senate. Before her Senate career, she served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. Hirono is known for her advocacy on issues such as immigration reform, healthcare, and civil rights. Born in Japan, she immigrated to the United States as a child, and her personal story of resilience and determination has been an inspiration to many.

William Randolph Hearst was a powerful American newspaper publisher and politician who attended Harvard University but was expelled before completing his degree. Despite his early departure from Harvard, Hearst went on to build one of the largest media empires in American history. He acquired The New York Journal and engaged in a fierce circulation war with Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, pioneering the sensationalist style of reporting that became known as "yellow journalism." At its peak, Hearst's media empire included dozens of newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and film studios. His extravagant lifestyle and influence over public opinion made him one of the most controversial figures of his era. Hearst's life inspired the classic film Citizen Kane.

Tagg Romney is an American businessman and venture capitalist who earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is the eldest son of Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts, Republican presidential nominee, and U.S. Senator from Utah. Romney has built a career in private equity and venture capital, co-founding Solamere Capital, a firm focused on investing in growth-stage companies across various industries. He has also been involved in his father's political campaigns and in various philanthropic endeavors. Romney's career reflects the intersection of business acumen and public service that has characterized the Romney family for generations.

Robert Rubin is an American banker, lawyer, and political advisor who graduated from Harvard College with a degree in History. He went on to earn his law degree from Yale Law School before embarking on a career in finance. Rubin served as the 70th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1999, during which time the U.S. experienced significant economic growth and deficit reduction. Before his government service, Rubin spent 26 years at Goldman Sachs, eventually serving as co-chairman. After leaving the Treasury, he joined Citigroup as a senior advisor. Rubin has been an influential figure in American economic policy, though his role in financial deregulation has been the subject of debate.

Wallace Shawn is an American actor, playwright, and essayist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History. He is perhaps best known to mainstream audiences for his roles as Vizzini in The Princess Bride and as the voice of Rex in the Toy Story franchise. However, Shawn is equally respected in the theater world for his provocative plays, including The Designated Mourner, Aunt Dan and Lemon, and The Fever, which tackle complex themes of morality, privilege, and political power. His work as a playwright has been produced in theaters around the world and has earned critical acclaim for its intellectual rigor and moral questioning. Shawn's unique combination of Hollywood charm and literary seriousness makes him a distinctive presence in American culture.

Eliot Spitzer is an American politician, attorney, and political commentator who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. He later earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. Spitzer served as the 54th Governor of New York from 2007 to 2008 and previously served as the Attorney General of New York from 1999 to 2006. As Attorney General, Spitzer earned a reputation as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" for his aggressive prosecution of white-collar crime and corporate fraud, taking on major financial institutions and their executives. His governorship was cut short by a personal scandal, but his earlier work in financial regulation and consumer protection left a lasting impact on the enforcement of securities law.

Kyra Sedgwick is an Emmy Award-winning American actress who attended the University of Southern California before pursuing her acting career full-time. She is best known for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in the hit television series The Closer, for which she won a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award. Sedgwick has enjoyed a career spanning film, television, and theater, appearing in productions such as Born on the Fourth of July, Something to Talk About, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She has also moved behind the camera, directing episodes of television and feature films. Her versatility and commitment to her craft have made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Timothy Wirth is an American politician and diplomat who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. He served as a U.S. Representative from Colorado from 1975 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 1993. Wirth was an early champion of environmental issues in Congress, advocating for legislation to address climate change, renewable energy, and conservation. After leaving the Senate, he served as the first Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs under President Bill Clinton, where he focused on population, environment, and human rights issues. Wirth later became the president of the United Nations Foundation, where he worked to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations.

Jill Abramson is an American journalist, author, and academic who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History and Literature. She made history in 2011 when she became the first female executive editor of The New York Times, one of the most prestigious positions in American journalism. Before leading the Times, Abramson served as the paper's managing editor and Washington bureau chief. Her tenure as executive editor was marked by both significant journalism, including Pulitzer Prize-winning investigations, and internal controversies. Abramson is the author of several books, including Merchants of Truth, an examination of the future of news media in the digital age. She has taught at Harvard and continues to be a prominent voice on journalism and media issues.

Ketanji Brown Jackson is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, making history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the nation's highest court. She graduated from Harvard College with a degree in Government and went on to earn her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court by President Joe Biden, Jackson served as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and previously on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She also worked as a public defender, bringing a perspective to the Court that few justices have shared. Her confirmation was widely celebrated as a milestone in American history.

Randall Kennedy is a distinguished legal scholar, author, and professor at Harvard Law School. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School and clerked for Justice Thurgood Marshall on the U.S. Supreme Court. Kennedy has spent decades at Harvard Law School teaching courses on contracts, criminal law, and the intersection of race and the legal system. He is the author of several influential books, including Race, Crime, and the Law, which won the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, and Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word, which sparked widespread debate about language, censorship, and race in America. Kennedy's scholarship is known for its rigor, intellectual honesty, and willingness to tackle controversial topics with nuance and courage.

Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty. He earned his Master of Philosophy degree in Development Studies from Trinity College, Cambridge, and also completed a course at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Gandhi has served as a member of Parliament representing constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, and he served as the president of the Indian National Congress from 2017 to 2019. He has been a leading voice of the opposition in Indian politics, focusing on issues such as economic inequality, farmer welfare, and democratic values. Gandhi's political career continues to be shaped by both the legacy of his family and the evolving dynamics of Indian democracy.

Tatyana Ali is an American actress, singer, and Harvard graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies from Harvard University in 2002. She is best known for her role as Ashley Banks in the beloved television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, opposite Will Smith. Ali began acting as a child and balanced her Hollywood career with her academic pursuits, attending Harvard while continuing to work in entertainment. In addition to her acting career, Ali released a successful R&B album, Kiss the Sky, in the late 1990s. She has remained active in both entertainment and social causes, using her platform to advocate for civic engagement and voter registration among young people.

Richard Barth is an American education leader and nonprofit executive who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Social Studies. He served as the CEO of the KIPP Foundation, one of the largest and most respected networks of public charter schools in the United States. Under his leadership, KIPP expanded to serve tens of thousands of students across the country, with a focus on providing high-quality education to underserved communities. Barth's work has been guided by a deep commitment to educational equity and the belief that all students, regardless of their background, deserve access to an excellent education. He is also the husband of Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach For America, and together they have been influential figures in the education reform movement.

Regina Spektor is a Russian-American singer-songwriter and pianist who is known for her distinctive vocal style and eclectic, genre-blending music. Born in Moscow, Spektor and her family emigrated to the United States when she was nine years old. She studied at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, and her musical career flourished in the New York City anti-folk scene of the early 2000s. Spektor's albums, including Begin to Hope and Far, have earned critical acclaim and commercial success, with hit songs like "Fidelity" and "Samson." Her music combines elements of classical piano, pop, and avant-garde experimentation, and her live performances are celebrated for their energy and emotional depth.

David Fahrenthold is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. He is best known for his investigative reporting at The Washington Post, where he won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for his coverage of Donald Trump's charitable giving during the 2016 presidential campaign. Fahrenthold's reporting, which involved methodical fact-checking and creative use of social media to crowdsource information, revealed that Trump had exaggerated his charitable contributions. His transparent approach to investigative journalism, including sharing his research process with readers in real-time on social media, was widely praised as innovative. Fahrenthold later joined The New York Times, where he continues to cover politics and accountability reporting.

Jasmine Wahi is an American curator, writer, and social justice activist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History of Art and Architecture. She has established herself as a leading voice in the contemporary art world, curating exhibitions that center the work of women artists, queer artists, and artists of color. Wahi served as the Holly Block Social Justice Curator at the Bronx Museum of the Arts and has organized exhibitions at galleries and institutions across New York City. Her curatorial practice is driven by a commitment to challenging power structures, amplifying underrepresented voices, and using art as a tool for social change. Wahi's work reflects a belief that museums and galleries have a responsibility to be inclusive, accessible, and engaged with the communities they serve.

Damien Chazelle is an Academy Award-winning film director and screenwriter who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies. While at Harvard, Chazelle developed his passion for filmmaking and jazz music, themes that would define his early career. His breakthrough film, Whiplash (2014), earned three Academy Awards and widespread critical acclaim for its intense portrayal of a young jazz drummer's relationship with his demanding instructor. Chazelle followed this with La La Land (2016), which won six Academy Awards and made him the youngest person to win Best Director at the age of 32. His subsequent film, First Man, explored the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Chazelle's work is celebrated for its visual ambition, emotional intensity, and love of music and cinema.

Julie Mehretu is an Ethiopian-American contemporary artist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies. She is renowned for her large-scale abstract paintings and prints, which layer maps, architectural drawings, and gestural marks to create complex compositions that explore themes of geography, displacement, and global power structures. Mehretu's work has been exhibited at major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Guggenheim. She received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2005, recognizing her as one of the most innovative artists of her generation. Mehretu's art challenges viewers to consider how visual information and urban environments shape our understanding of history and identity.

John Updike was a prolific and acclaimed American novelist, poet, short story writer, and literary critic who graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in English in 1954. While at Harvard, Updike wrote for and contributed to The Harvard Lampoon. He went on to become one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, known especially for his "Rabbit" series of novels, which chronicle the life of the fictional Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom across four decades of American life. Updike won two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction, for Rabbit Is Rich and Rabbit at Rest, and was a regular contributor to The New Yorker for more than five decades. His elegant prose style, keen observations of suburban America, and exploration of themes such as faith, mortality, and desire have made him a towering figure in American literature.

Sophia Amoruso is an American entrepreneur, author, and businesswoman. She is the founder of Nasty Gal, a women's fashion retailer that she started as a vintage clothing store on eBay and grew into a multimillion-dollar company. Amoruso's memoir, #GIRLBOSS, became a bestseller and was adapted into a Netflix series, inspiring a generation of young women entrepreneurs. Although Nasty Gal eventually filed for bankruptcy, Amoruso continued her entrepreneurial career by founding Girlboss Media, a platform dedicated to redefining success for women in business. Her story is often cited as an example of both the highs and lows of rapid startup growth.

I.M. Pei was a Chinese-American architect who earned his Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where he studied under the legendary architects Marcel Breuer and Walter Gropius. Pei is widely regarded as one of the greatest architects of the 20th and 21st centuries, known for his modernist designs that blend geometric forms with elegant materials. His most iconic works include the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. Pei was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1983 and received numerous other honors throughout his career. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of architectural excellence that has shaped skylines around the world.

Henry Kissinger was a German-born American diplomat, political scientist, and geopolitical consultant who earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. from Harvard University, all in Political Science. After completing his education, Kissinger joined the Harvard faculty, where he directed the Harvard International Seminar and the Defense Studies Program. He went on to serve as the United States National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, becoming one of the most influential figures in American foreign policy during the Cold War era. Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his role in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords, which aimed to end the Vietnam War. His legacy remains deeply debated, with supporters praising his strategic brilliance in areas such as the opening of relations with China and détente with the Soviet Union, while critics point to controversial policies in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere. Kissinger passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100.

If you have your sights set on attending Harvard University, you will need to do much more than earn top scores, rank high in your class, and earn a superior GPA. Harvard University is looking for students who are not only well-rounded but also leaders. 

The school aims to welcome students who show exemplary dedication and passion for the field in which they choose to study. You’ll need to be an excellent writer and interviewee, participate in and lead extracurricular activities, and serve your community. 

For the best chance at getting into Harvard University, you should start planning as early as possible during your high school career. And Empowerly can help! Our comprehensive college counseling services will help you build a strong application, including transcripts, essays, and test scores, that will stand out to top colleges like Harvard.

At Empowerly, our top-rated college counselors are proven to boost college admissions rates by 11x. In fact, 98% of our students have been accepted into Ivy League schools like Harvard University or top 25 schools. Book your FREE consultation today. 

Looking for help getting into an Ivy League school? Check out Ivy League College Counselors: 10 Tips to Help You Find a Match

If you're looking for other top schools, read our article, What Are The Best Universities & Colleges in New York

Getting ready for the SAT? Learn what score you should be aiming for in our guide to  Average SAT Scores by State for 2025: The Good, Bad, & Ugly