Top 30 Harvard University Notable Alumni

More than 40,000 alumni from 200 countries are listed on Harvard University Notable Alumni Roll. In both North America and the United States, Harvard University is ranked first. Harvard University is one of the oldest universities in the United States, having been established in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636.

The goal of this article is to provide you with an overview of some of the most well-known Harvard alums who achieved success in their careers and made significant contributions to their nations or to humanity. We hope that our collection of well-known Harvard University notable alumni inspires you to begin your path to success like these Harvard University notable alumni!

Harvard University Notable Alumni

We’ve all heard of the thousands of names from Harvard University. Numerous notable individuals who made America proud, earned awards in their industries, and significantly changed the globe may be found along the university lanes. Let’s get started and discover more about the accomplishments of these Harvard University notable alumni.

1. George Bush

Degree: Master of Business Administration
Notable Position: U.S. President

George W. Bush, a distinguished statesman and leader, is one of Harvard University notable alumni. Bush’s rise from Harvard to power demonstrates his influence as a well-known Harvard alumnus. He was well acclaimed for his commitment to public service and served as the 43rd President of the United States of America. He became the first president to earn an M.B.A. when he left Harvard Business School in 1975 with a degree in business administration.

2. John F Kennedy

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Notable Position: The President of the US

In 1961, he became the 35th President of the United States of America. He was killed during his third year in office. In the history of American politics, he was the youngest person to be elected president. He completed the Harvard International Relations graduate program in 1936–1940, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is also one of the most prominent Harvard University notable alumni.

3. Barack Obama

Degree: Juris Doctor in Law
Notable Position: The President of the US

Barack Obama is unquestionably one of the most well-known Harvard University notable Alumni. From 1988 to 1991, he earned a Juris Doctor in Law. Between 2009 and 2017, he was the 44th president of the United States of America. Being the nation’s first African-American president was a turning point for the Black community in America. During his administration (2009-2017), he fought the Great Recession (2008-2009) with fierce statesmanship.

In 2009, he became the fourth U.S. President to win the Nobel Peace Prize for “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people.” In addition, he was the Harvard Law Review’s first black president. This Harvard graduate stepped down as president in 2021 and has continued to be involved in democratic politics ever since.

4. Theodore Roosevelt

Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural History (1880)
Notable Position: 26th President of the USA

Another Harvard University notable alumni who is a fervent naturalist and reformer is Theodore Roosevelt, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in natural history. He laid the foundation for environmental protection in the United States by creating national parks, forests, and monuments. He is well-known for his “Square Deal” policies and conservation advocacy. After graduating from Harvard, Roosevelt pursued writing, exploration, and public service because he was an adventurer at heart. His accomplishments earned him a spot on Mount Rushmore among other great presidents, and his progressive diplomatic and domestic policies set a standard for succeeding administrations.

5. Robert F. Kennedy

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Government (1948)
Notable Position: U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator

Robert F. Kennedy, a well-known Harvard University notable alumni, who earned a government degree from Harvard, is famous for advocating for social justice. He became a significant political figure after graduating, first as the U.S. Attorney General and then as the U.S. Senator for New York. Kennedy was a key player in his brother John F. Kennedy’s administration and was well-known for his advocacy of civil rights and initiatives to reduce poverty. Although his life was brutally cut short, his legacy as a fervent change agent lives on because of his goal for a more fair America.

6. Robert Oppenheimer

Notable Position: Scientist, father of the atomic bomb

Famous American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is considered the “father of the atomic bomb,” rose to fame as a result of his work on the Manhattan Project. After winning the coveted Enrico Fermi Award from the Atomic Energy Commission, he withdrew from the Institute of Advanced Study in 1963 and passed away from cancer the following year. Among the well-known Harvard alums, J. Robert Oppenheimer stands out for his contributions to science and physics. His prominence as a Harvard University notable alumni is further highlighted by the 2023 film Oppenheimer, which riveted audiences.

7. William Henry Gates

Notable Position: Founder of Microsoft and philanthropist ‍

One of the most well-known Harvard University notable alumni is Bill Gates, who is best known as the C.E.O. of Microsoft. Before filling it with graduate-level computer science and mathematics, he studied from 1973 to 1975 as a pre-law student. Up until 2014, he was the biggest individual stakeholder at Microsoft and served as both president and chief software architect.

Microsoft, a firm that is now a household name worldwide, was created by combining the brains of Paul Allen and Bill Gates. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was established by this Harvard alumni and his spouse, Melinda Gates. The group is non-profit and works to combat poverty, illness, and injustice. In terms of assets, it is the second-largest charity in the world, with an endowment of more than $70 billion.

8. Natalie Portman

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Notable Position: Actress, Academy Award winner

Among Harvard University notable alumni, Natalie Portman is a prominent American actress. From 1999 to 2003, she attended Harvard and graduated with a degree in psychology. She has received numerous honors over her career, such as the Golden Globes and the British Academy Film Award. Furthermore, she was honored with both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for her performance in the 2010 film Black Swan. She also attended Harvard, making her one of the well-known performers.

9. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Notable Position: A member of the United States Supreme Court

Without a doubt, a number of individuals on the list of well-known Harvard alumni are alumni. Nevertheless, one of the most admired and courageous Harvard University notable alumni is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as “the Notorious R.B.G.” She was a feminist icon and a civil rights activist. The American judiciary was taken by a lawyer who dreaded one and was the first Jewish woman to serve on the American Court. She was also an associate justice in the US Supreme Court from 1993 to 2020. The U.S. President Bill Clinton also nominated her to succeed moderate consensus builder Justice Byron White.

10. Mark Zuckerberg

Degree: Psychology and Computer Science
Notable Position: Founder of Facebook/Meta

Mark Zuckerberg is a business tycoon whose company has transformed networking and communication by removing geographical boundaries through online connectivity. Facebook’s $695.60 billion overall net worth makes it one of the largest firms. Facebook, the company he started, allows people all over the world to connect, communicate, and stay in contact.

He was a graduate student at Harvard University at the same time, majoring in computer science and psychology. Since its founding in 2004, Facebook has significantly impacted our lives. In 2021, it underwent a revolutionary rebranding as Meta Platforms Inc. He currently holds the positions of Executive Chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder for Meta as one of the Harvard University notable alumni.

11. Matt Damon

Notable Position: Academy Award winner, producer, screenwriter, and actor

Matt Damon enrolled at Harvard in 1992, but he left school after being offered a major role in the film Geronimo: An American Legend. One of the well-known Harvard grads, Matt Damon is a multi-talented celebrity and an award-winning actor. In the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, he won an Academy Award for best original screenplay. His net worth in North America exceeds $3.88 million, making him one of the highest-paid performers of all time and the most bankable celebrity, according to Forbes. One of the well-known Harvard University notable alumni, he is.

12. T. S. Eliot

Notable Position: Poet; 1948 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature

One of the most well-known Harvard University notable alumni, T.S. Eliot, is a renowned poet. With his inventive and captivating poetry, he is regarded in the literary community as the one who transformed modern poetry, leaving a lasting impression that still serves as an inspiration to poets and authors everywhere. The foundation of literary expression has been his work’s fusion of complexity and symbolism. Throughout his life, T.S. Eliot wrote several plays and poetry, but his most well-known work is the Waste Land, which expresses his dissatisfaction following World War I.

Because of the poem’s perceived complexity, readers and critics were unable to fully comprehend the significance of his creation. The Waste Land is one of his most well-known works of literary genius, even though it may not have been his most ambitious creation. Preludes, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, and The Naming of Cats are some of T.S. Eliot’s other works. The lasting influence of a Harvard education is exemplified by his contributions to the literary world.

13. Ratan Tata

Degree: Business
Notable Position: Chairman of Tata Group

Among Harvard University notable alumni, Ratan Tata stands out as the epitome of vision and leadership in India. Tata’s impact was felt globally in a variety of contexts. The Tata Group grew internationally under his direction, establishing new benchmarks in technology, innovation, and research. Ratan Tata was well-known throughout the world for his philanthropy and commitment to advancing Indian society, in addition to his commercial acumen and work ethic. Ratan Tata, a prominent industrialist and businessman in India, graduated from Harvard Business School in 1975. He is another well-known Harvard alumnus.

14. Helen Keller

Notable Position: Deafblind Author, Activist, and Lecturer

Helen Keller was a well-known lecturer, novelist, and activist from America. She lost her ability to see and hear when she was just 19 months old, but she went on to achieve a lot in her lifetime. Before graduating, Helen Keller wrote two autobiographies that launched her writing career and garnered national recognition: Optimism (1903) and The Story of My Life (1902).

Keller was a well-known female Harvard University notable alumni who dedicated her life to political engagement. She was a strong supporter of socialism as well as a number of movements. During her time at Harvard University’s Radcliffe College, this well-known alumnus became the first disabled person in the United States to get a bachelor’s degree in the arts.

15. Anand Mahindra

Degree: Film Making and Architecture
Notable Position: Chairperson of Mahindra

The chairman of the Mahindra Group in Mumbai is Anand Mahindra, a millionaire from India. The Mahindra Group is also active in the real estate, construction equipment, automotive, and agricultural sectors. Anand Mahindra is not just the owner of his company but also a member of the U.S.–India Business Board (USIBC) and the Singapore Economic Development Board advisory board. A member of the National Institute of Design’s governing council, he also serves as Chairman of the Lincoln Center’s India Advisory Council in New York. One of the most prosperous and significant Harvard University notable alumni, Anand Mahindra, has achieved these and numerous other goals.

16. Michelle Obama

Degree: Juris Doctor
Notable Position: American lawyer, author, and former first lady

The list of well-known Harvard University notable alumni now includes Michelle Obama, an American attorney and novelist. From 2009 until 2017, she was the wife of President Barack Obama and the First Lady of the United States of America. Michelle Obama earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School as part of her education, which further solidifies her place among the most well-known Harvard alums.

17. Frank Delano Roosevelt

Notable Position: U.S. President

The 32nd president of the United States of America was Frank Roosevelt. By enacting the New Deal, he guided the nation through the biggest financial crisis in its history and helped it survive the Great Depression. Roosevelt received his schooling at Harvard College, where he was the editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson and a member of the Fly Club. Roosevelt is renowned across the world for his significant influence and global leadership as one of the most well-known Harvard University notable alumni.

18. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Notable Position: TV host, director of the Hayden Planetarium, and astrophysicist

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astronomer, author, and science communicator who was born and reared in New York City. Neil is a Harvard University notable alumni who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics. Neil has authored a number of publications over the years, including Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier, Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, and Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution.

19. Conan O’Brien

Degree: History & Literature
Notable Position: Talk show host

Conan O’Brien is another Harvard University notable alumni. He is an American comedian, writer, and producer who hosts well-known television programs such as The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Conan. Conan majored in American History and Literature and received his degree from Harvard University in 1985. Conan has voiced characters in numerous animated films, including Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and The LEGO Batman, in addition to hosting chat programs.

20. Michael Bloomberg

Degree: Master of Business Administration
Notable Position: Mayor of New York City

Michael Bloomberg, an American businessman, former mayor of New York City, philanthropist, and author, is one of Harvard University notable alumni. In 1966, he enrolled at Harvard Business School. In 1981, Michael was also a co-founder of Bloomberg LP, a privately held media, data, software, and financial corporation. He is a well-known HBS alumnus.

From 2002 to 2013, Bloomberg was also the mayor of New York City, where he oversaw environmental regulations, public health improvements, and urban development. Through his charity foundation, he has made significant donations to causes that include education, public health, the environment, and the arts. Bloomberg is one of Harvard’s most significant alumni, and his career demonstrates his commitment to leadership, innovation, and public service.

21. Margaret Atwood

Degree: Master of Arts in English Literature
Notable Position: Novelist

One of Harvard University notable alumni is Margaret Atwood, a poet, novelist, storyteller, essayist, and environmentalist. She graduated with a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Radcliffe College. Margaret is the author of multiple books for which she has won literary honors such as the Governor General’s Award and the Booker Prize. The Robber Bride, The Edible Woman, and The Handmaid’s Tale are a few of her well-known pieces.

22. Tommy Lee Jones

Notable Position: American Actor

The Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy are just a few of the many honors that American actor Tommy Lee Jones is a Harvard University notable alumni. Who was born in San Saba, Texas, has won. Tommy, one of the well-known Harvard alums, earned a degree in English from Harvard University.

23. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History (1903)
Notable Position: 32nd President of USA

One of the well-known Harvard University notable alumni is Franklin D. Roosevelt, or simply FDR for short. He finished his undergraduate degree. Roosevelt is renowned for guiding the country through two of its most difficult periods, the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal programs contributed to the economic transformation that changed the face of America. His resolute leadership throughout World War II created worldwide alliances and policies that had a lasting impact on world affairs. American politics and history continue to be influenced by FDR’s legacy as a president who encouraged perseverance in the face of hardship.

24. Ashley Judd

Degree: Master of Public Administration
Notable Position: Actress, Humanitarian, Political Activist

A Harvard University notable alumni is Ashley Judd. In addition to her prosperous acting career, she is well-known for her important advocacy and humanitarian efforts. Judd obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky and then went on to the Harvard Kennedy School to obtain a Master of Public Administration, which she completed in 2010. This academic success made her more determined to concentrate on social justice problems, particularly campaigning for public health, human rights, and gender equality.

As a worldwide goodwill ambassador for groups such as the United Nations Population Fund and Population Services International, Judd uses her platform and voice to promote causes pertaining to international poverty alleviation, anti-trafficking initiatives, and women’s health. Her humanitarian and scholarly endeavors demonstrate a dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

25. Henry Kissinger

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in 1950, Master of Arts in 1952, and Ph.D. in Government in 1954
Notable Position: U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor

Henry Kissinger is unquestionably listed on the Harvard University notable alumni and students list. After earning a Ph.D. in government from Harvard, he went on to become Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, significantly impacting U.S. international policy. Kissinger, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, is well-known for his détente policy with the Soviet Union, his establishing of diplomatic ties with China, and his involvement in the peace processes in the Middle East. His contributions to world diplomacy have been both lauded and disputed, and his tactics are still a benchmark for international relations.

26. Rashida Jones

Notable Position: Actress, Producer, Writer

The daughter of music producer Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones is a well-known Harvard University alumnus who earned a degree in comparative religion from Harvard. Jones, who is well-known for her parts in Parks and Recreation and The Office, has made a name for herself in Hollywood as a writer and producer in addition to being an actress. Her unique voice and perspective continue to make waves in television and cinema, and her Harvard education and creative aptitude have enabled her to thrive in roles that combine humor with social critique.

27. Susan Wojcicki

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History 1990
Notable Position: CEO of YouTube

Susan Wojcicki is another recognized Harvard University alumni. Her journey to becoming one of the most significant women in technology began with her Harvard degree in history and literature. She was named YouTube’s CEO in 2014 and was instrumental in Google’s acquisition of the website. She is known as “Google employee #16.” Under her direction, YouTube has grown into the biggest video-sharing website in the world, impacting advertising, entertainment, and digital media. Wojcicki is one of the most well-known people in Silicon Valley because of her influence on technology and her support of diversity in the field.

28. Jon Bernthal

Notable Position: Actor

The Punisher and The Walking Dead star Jon Bernthal is a famous Harvard University notable alumni, who trained at Harvard’s American Repertory Theater, and is well-known for his gritty, intense parts. In addition to honing his craft, his studies there laid the groundwork for his lucrative acting career. Since then, Bernthal has acted in a lot of movies and television series, earning a reputation for his commitment to nuanced roles. He received praise in both the action and drama genres for his grounded and potent acting style, which he developed during his studies at Harvard’s theater program.

29. Ben Shapiro

Degree: Political Science Bachelor of Arts (2004)
Notable Position: Political Commentator, Author

Ben Shapiro is a well-known Harvard University notable alumni of Harvard Law School who earned a degree in political science there. Shapiro is a well-known conservative commentator, author, and media personality who has a sizable fan base and is well-known for his fervent beliefs and support of conservative causes. He is the host of a well-liked political podcast and the author of several books. He discusses everything from public policy to free speech, frequently sparking intense controversy.

30. John Adams

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in1755, and Master of Arts in1758
Notable Position: The United States’ second president

John Adams, a Harvard University notable alumni, played a significant role in the American Revolution, helped establish the United States, and was its second president. Adams is renowned for his contributions to the creation of a new nation and the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, which laid the groundwork for American governance. His commitment to the ideals of justice was cultivated by his demanding Harvard education, and his political philosophy is still a pillar of American thought.

In conclusion, the Harvard University notable alumni list ends here, but we encourage you to find your inspiration and keep moving forward with courage and determination to be the change agent. We can never have enough names of the renowned Harvard grads in one location due to their large ensemble. Generations of brilliant minds have graduated from Harvard University, creating a world of wonder for themselves and everyone else. They are still influencing the world and setting the standard for a better, more promising future.