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.

Tech Square completed, january 1971. Courtesy of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority collection, Cambridge Historical Commission

Tech Square construction, August 1962. Courtesy of Fay Foto Service. Cambridge Historical Commission

Professors who visited Russia and Harvard.

Tech Square groundbreaking, October 9, 1961. Courtesy of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority collection, Cambridge Historical Commission

Students flood into Lamont Library on the night of April 28, 1961 amidst protests of a change in the language of Harvard diplomas from Latin to English.

In the early 1960s, socioeconomic and geographic diversity became defining characteristics of the student body.

Peter B. Benchley '61 created 'Jaws' after hearing of a great white shark caught off of Long Island.