Class of 1961
Car Bombs on Coaches, Love Story Begins, and Reagan Revelry
Every week, The Crimson publishes a selection of articles that were printed in our pages in years past.
Class of 1961 Uses ‘Harvard Reunions’ App
The Harvard Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Harvard Office of Public Affairs and Communications, has released iPad and iPhone applications to help College alumni navigate this week’s reunion events.
Activism Quiet on Mostly-White Campus
With lingering suppression of activism, the year 1961 signaled a relative lull in civil rights protest at Harvard, as black students felt integrated in the broader college community.
Newly-Established Peace Corps Draws Students
Kennedy’s establishment of the Peace Corps attracted Harvard students, drawing attention away from service programs like the Harvard African Teaching Prospect.
Despite Tensions, Professors Cross Iron Curtain
At Harvard, Cold War curiosity was turned into a meaningful intellectual exchange with professors at the University of Leningrad. But the politics of the day stayed largely off the table, even in the classroom.
Pill’s Approval Portends Cultural Shift
Though the pill did not have a direct impact on Harvard life at first, its approval represented the beginning of the shift from a gender-segregated social scene to the more integrated, liberal environment of today.
City Sees Urban Renewal
Following zoning amendments passed in the early ’60s, Cambridge began its transformation from a decrepit industrial city to a revived research-focused one.
Discovering Harvard's Changing Social Fabric
During the Class of 1961's time at Harvard, the College began a number of programs aiming to increase the diversity of the traditionally white, New England-centered student body.
Faculty Prohibits Varsity Ice Hockey From NCAA Tournament Participation
Despite the squad’s posting an 18-4-2 record, the Faculty Committee on Athletics banned the team from taking part in the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.
Archie C. Epps III
As the College’s longtime dean of students, Epps—a 1961 graduate of Harvard Divinity School—broke down barriers and sought to unite the College.
David H. Souter
Friends and colleagues say that Souter’s quiet intellect, warm demeanor, and tendency to keep his life private have remained consistent since his freshman year at Harvard.
Before the Military's Estrangement, ROTC Members Do Their Part
A number of students participated in ROTC—which remained a normal part of University life through the escalation in Vietnam.
Anthony M. Kennedy
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy—a 1961 graduate of Harvard Law School—wields what many consider the most important vote on the Supreme Court.
As Diplomas Change from Latin to English, Students Join in Protest
The news that the Class of 1961 would be the first class to be given English diplomas incited more than 2,000 students to crowd the steps of Widener Library.
Martin S. Feldstein
Despite his wide-ranging influence, Harvard Economics Professor Martin S. Feldstein ’61 has perhaps had his greatest impact in the classroom.
Peter B. Benchley
After the incredible success of his novel “Jaws” and the iconic Steven Spielberg film he co-wrote, the novelist spent the rest of his life promoting marine conservation.
John D. Rockefeller IV
Jay Rockefeller, a U.S. Senator from West Virginia for the last 26 years, has his career serving in a variety of political roles in the state.
Timothy E. Wirth
Currently the president of the United Nations Foundation and a former U.S. Senator, Timothy E. Wirth '61 has created a life-long career based on serving others.