Top 10 Notable Harvard Alumni Who Will Inspire You

When we talk about remarkable and influential leaders and mavericks from different walks of life, there’s no denying that Harvard University’s notable alums are a cut above the rest. This university has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. From politics and law to science and entertainment, these famous Harvard alumni have shaped history and influenced society in profound ways. This Harvard alumni list highlights ten notable alumni whose accomplishments and legacies continue to resonate today. Each of these figures not only exemplifies the excellence associated with Harvard but also demonstrates the university’s role in fostering leaders who drive change and inspire future generations.

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Harvard University: Producing Geniuses since 1636

Harvard University is the second-best University in the world, right after Oxford University as of 2024. However, when it comes down to producing high-profile individuals, no university can beat Harvard. This achievement can be seen through their record number of honors and awards that includes 161 Nobel Laureates and 132 Pulitzer prize winners. Furthermore, famous Harvard alumni include 23 heads of state, 8 of which are former American Presidents and 11 billionaires. 

There are over 400,000 famous Harvard alums across the world and many of them are reputable scientists, politicians, business persons, and entertainers. Going through all the 400,000 will take far too long, so let’s just check out the top 10 notable Harvard Alumni list.

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Barack Obama

One of the most beloved and well-known American Presidents in the world, Barack Hussain Obama, is a Harvard University law school notable alumni who graduated with a J.D. magna cum laude in 1991. Before his presidency, Barack Obama served as the Illinois State senator from 1997 to 2004. 

During his Harvard years, Barack Obama was nothing but exceptional, and he was selected to be part of the Harvard Law Review. He went on to become the first-ever person of color to assume the presidency of the review publication. 

Notable Accomplishment: 44th President of the United States.

Naina Lal Kidwai

You can achieve anything if you set your mind to it, and that’s exactly what Naina Lal Kidwai- the first-ever Indian woman to graduate from Harvard University, did. 

Naina Lal Kidwai is a well-known investment and retail banker in India, but before she reached this point. She was a chartered accountant trainee for Price Waterhouse in 1977 and also the only woman in the firm. 

When faced with gender discrimination, Naina Lal Kidwai decided that obtaining more degrees was her best defense against discrimination.

Today, she works with Grassroots Trading Network for Women- alongside her husband to empower Indian women. 

Notable Accomplishment: First Indian woman to graduate from Harvard University in 1982. 

Bill Gates

Although Bill Gates is a Harvard dropout, he is nevertheless a Harvard University notable alumni who received his diploma nearly 30 years after dropping out. 

Bill Gates spent only 2 years at Harvard University before dropping out to start Microsoft. Inc. and becoming a millionaire at the age of 26. Today, Bill Gates-led Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aids students across the world to make better choices about where they want to study.

Notable Accomplishment: Founder of Microsoft.

Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata is a distinguished Indian industrialist and philanthropist, best known for his leadership of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and oldest conglomerates. Ratan Tata completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975, where he initially faced challenges adapting to the high-achieving environment. He later described this experience as transformative, stating that those 13 weeks were among the most significant in his life.

He has donated millions of dollars to educational institutions for providing financial aid to deserving students. Including $50 million for the construction for Harvard University executive center. 

Notable Accomplishment: Chairman of the TATA Group.

Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist best known for demoting Pluto’s status as a planet and his discoveries on stars and galaxy formation. 

Neil deGrasse Tyson completed his BA in Physics at Harvard University in 1980, while at Harvard University, Neil deGrasse Tyson pursued several different activities such as wrestling, and dancing. Neil deGrasse Tyson has received 9 honorary doctorates and even has an asteroid named after himself. 

Yet, he’s best known for making science clear and humorous. You can easily find him on the “Startalk” podcast on YouTube. 

Notable Accomplishment: Astrophysicist and Science Communicator

Michael Bloomberg

There’s almost nobody that doesn’t know Bloomberg LP, one of the biggest financial news companies. But the man behind this company, Micheal R. Bloomberg is even more impressive. 

Michael Bloomberg graduated from Harvard University not once, but twice. Michael Bloomberg first graduated in 1964 with a B.Sc in electrical engineering. Later in 1966, he graduated with a MBA degree. 

Other than being a businessman, Bloomberg is also known for his role in strengthening the economy during the 2008 financial crisis. He was elected twice as the New York City Mayor due to his impeccable management skills that stabilized the NYC economy. 

Notable Accomplishment: Former Mayor of New York City.

Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien is a well-known comedian and producer who is best known as one of the writers of “The Simpsons” and the producer of Team Coco. 

Conan O’Brien enrolled at Harvard University in 1981 and two years later, he became the president of The Harvard Lampoon. He served two years as the president of this reputed humor magazine. 

Conan has won an Emmy Award for his work in Saturday Night Live (SNL) with other writers. He’s appeared as a host of many TV shows such as Tonight’s Talk and Late Night Show. Other than this, he’s also voiced “The Riddler” in the 2017 Lego Batman movie. 

Notable Accomplishment: Emmy Award Winner, prolific comedian and producer

Eugenie Carys de Silva

Even among the notable Harvard Alumni Eugenie Carys de Silva is a class of herself. She is the youngest person ever to graduate from Harvard University at age of 14. 

Other than holding a Master’s degree in Intelligence Studies, she also holds a Master in Liberal arts, a Masters in philosophy, Ph.D in Politics. Additionally, she’s also the youngest person to read for a Ph.D Academic degree. 

Talk about being a higher-than-high achiever. Eugenie Carys de Silva presently works as a consultant for Proactive response and resiliency at Booz Allen Hamilton. 

Notable Accomplishment: Youngest Graduate from Harvard.

Eduardo Saverin

Eduardo Saverin is a venture capitalist and one of the youngest Brazilian billionaires (Net worth of $12.5 billion). He co-founded Facebook with his classmate Mark Zuckerberg. A large portion of his wealth came from his stake in Facebook; he owned 53 million Facebook shares. 

Saverin graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Harvard University. Currently, he is a partner of a global investment firm, B Capital. 

Notable Accomplishment: Co-founded Facebook.

Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon, a politician and former secretary general of the UN, served as the 8th secretary general of the United Nations. He has been striving to bring peace, protect refugees all over the world, and fight hunger. 

Ban graduated in international relations from Seoul National University and earned a Master of Public Relations degree at Harvard University. Although he isn’t leading the UN as a secretary general anymore, he is still devoted to making the world a happier place.

Notable Accomplishment: Former Secretary General of the UN.

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Summary

Harvard University has a legacy of producing exceptional individuals across diverse fields. With 161 Nobel Laureates, 132 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 23 heads of state among its alumni, Harvard’s impact is unparalleled. This list highlights ten famous Harvard alumni whose achievements have shaped the world. Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, broke barriers at Harvard Law Review. Naina Lal Kidwai became the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard. Bill Gates, though a dropout, founded Microsoft. Ratan Tata, an industrialist, transformed the Tata Group. Neil deGrasse Tyson popularized astrophysics. Michael Bloomberg, a business tycoon, also served as NYC’s mayor. Conan O’Brien is a celebrated comedian and producer. Eugenie Carys de Silva became Harvard’s youngest graduate. Eduardo Saverin co-founded Facebook, and Ban Ki-moon advanced global peace as the UN Secretary-General. These famous Harvard alumni exemplify leadership, innovation, and excellence, leaving a lasting mark on global society.

FAQs

Ques 1: Who are some of the most famous Harvard alumni in politics?
Answer 1: Harvard has produced several influential politicians, including Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, and Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ques 2: Has Harvard produced notable figures outside of politics and business?
Answer 2: Yes, Harvard alumni have excelled in diverse fields. For example, Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, and Conan O’Brien is a celebrated comedian, writer, and producer.

Ques 3: Are there any Harvard alumni who achieved success despite not completing their degrees?
Answer 3: Absolutely. Bill Gates is a prime example. Though he dropped out after two years, he went on to co-found Microsoft and became one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.