The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 1997 Harvard Medals, given in recognition of extraordinary service to the University. Thomas L.P. O'Donnell '47, LLB '49, Luise Vosgerchian, AM '71 (hon.), IST '73, and Barry Lawson Williams '66, JD/MBA '71 will be honored on Commencement Day at the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association.

Thomas O'Donnell, first marshal of the Class of 1947, currently chairs his fiftieth reunion. This is just one of many leadership roles that O'Donnell has assumed as an alumnus. An Overseer from 1986-92, his balanced judgment was always sought and valued. He was chairman of the Visiting Committees to the Law School, the School of Public Health, and the Standing Committees on Visitation and Institutional Policy, while serving on numerous other committees. He also co-chaired the Joint Study Committee of the Governing Boards on South Africa from 1988-90.

An active participant in the Harvard Alumni Association, he chaired its Nominating Committee for Overseers and Directors, was an Elected Director and a member of the Awards Committee. In addition, O'Donnell has played major fundraising roles throughout the University. "If ever there was a 'utility infielder' for Harvard and a star at the same time, Tom O'Donnell certainly has that distinction and qualifies for special recognition," writes a fellow alumnus.

Always ready to serve, O'Donnell is respected by his peers and devoted to the University.

Luise Vosgerchian has been a major contributor to the musical life at Harvard for over 35 years. Beginning her career at Harvard in 1959 as a preceptor, she became a full professor of music in 1971, the Walter W. Naumburg Professor of Music in 1974, and Professor Emerita in 1990. Yo-Yo Ma, a former student, says, "She was one of the best teachers I've ever had. She finds the very best in students and nurtures that in them."

In 1985, she received the Undergraduate Council's J.R. Levenson Award for the senior professor demonstrating the most outstanding and creative teaching. In 1986, the Max Goldberg Foundation, together with Ray and Thelma Goldberg, founded the Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award at Harvard. The monetary prize is given each year to a teacher selected from throughout the world who exemplifies the values and teaching skills represented by Vosgerchian.

A concert pianist, Vosgerchian has entertained audiences around the world, including many Harvard alumni through "Harvard Comes To . . ." events and other Harvard Club functions.

Barry Williams finished a distinguished undergraduate career in 1966, that included establishing the individual rebounding record in men's basketball, a record he held until this year. After completing the J.D./M.B.A. program, he relocated to California where he has been an important Harvard presence. Despite the distance, Williams remains close to Cambridge, returning many times each year to serve the University. He was elected to the Board of Overseers in 1981 and served on many visiting and standing committees, including the Young Committee, which studied and recommended changes to the nomination and election process for Overseers.

Williams has served as president of the HAA, Elected Director, Schools and Scholarships interviewer, and is a participant in the current Campaign. As a young alumnus in 1970, he served on the Committee to Nominate Overseers and Directors, returning as a member from 1988-91, and serving as chairman in his final year.

A responsible and diplomatic Harvard citizen, Williams' thoughtful decisions have always reflected the best interests of the University.