Insu Kim MArch '17 wore his thesis on his Commencement cap

Insu Kim MArch ’17 wore his thesis on his Commencement cap

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) awarded 353 degrees to its Class of 2017 during Harvard’s 366th Commencement on Thursday, May 25. In addition to presenting degrees in the School’s Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning & Design, Design Studies, and Doctoral Programs, the GSD announced winners of a series of awards and prizes and awarded certificates to the 2016–2017 Loeb Fellows.

The GSD was pleased to welcome Katherine Farley MArch ’76 as its 2017 Class Day speaker on Wednesday, May 24. After an illustrious 32-year career at Tishman Speyer, Farley enthusiastically shared some advice to the newest GSD graduates. She currently serves as Chairman of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has been involved at Lincoln Center since 1999, having served on the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Board from 1999 to 2005 and on the Lincoln Center Theater Board from 2002 to 2005. She was Chairman of the Lincoln Center Redevelopment Project from 2006 to 2010, a $1.2-billion comprehensive renovation of the campus.

Another highlight of Commencement was the presentation of the Harvard Medal by Harvard President Drew Faust to Henry N. Cobb AB  ’47, MArch ’49 for his extraordinary service to the University. Cobb is the first GSD alumnus to receive this high honor at commencement. The Gazette included the following words about Cobb in its article on the three medal winners:

Henry N. Cobb AB ’47, MArch ’49

Henry N. Cobb AB ’47, MArch ’49

“Henry N. Cobb has demonstrated a strong commitment to Harvard as an alumnus, teacher, administrator, and architect. During his term as president of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) Association from 1969 to 1971, he also served as an appointed director for the HAA, representing the GSD, and as a member of the GSD visiting committee. From 1980 to 1985, he was studio professor of architecture and urban design and chair of the Department of Architecture, where he continues to teach occasionally as a visiting lecturer and design critic. Currently, he serves as an honorary member of the GSD Campaign Committee.

Cobb designed the Harvard Center for Government and International Studies (CGIS), completed in 2005 and comprising two buildings flanking Cambridge Street; the renovation of several houses on Sumner Road; and the rehabilitation of an important mid-block open space shared by the University and the adjoining residential community. Dean Mohsen Mostafavi described the CGIS project as ‘representative of Harry’s contributions to the University and the Harvard community, and of his vision as an architect.’ ”

To take a look at Commencement activities across the University, visit the Gazette’s coverage.