15 from FAS hailed as ‘Harvard Heroes’

A row of FAS staff members, standing shoulder to shoulder, stood on stage beaming with pride. Their colleagues and friends, packed into Sanders Theatre, showed their appreciation with whoops and applause. Some upped the din several more decibels by bringing noisemakers.

Fifteen FAS personnel — whose roles and responsibilities range from leading neuroimaging training workshops to coordinating course videography and cleaning campus facilities — were among the 71 University staff members honored June 11 during the 2026 Harvard Heroes ceremony. The annual program celebrates the accomplishments of staff whose contributions support the institution’s mission. Honorees are nominated and selected by their peers, with a record of more than 1,000 submissions this year.

“We are so fortunate that you have chosen to apply your skills and share your talents here at Harvard,” said Manuel Cuevas-Trisán, Vice President for Human Resources. “Fulfilling our mission of research, teaching, and learning would not be possible without your efforts and the efforts of your colleagues across the University. That you have continued to press on during a very challenging time is a testament to your dedication to our community.”

Meet the 2026 Harvard Heroes who represented the FAS at last week’s event.

Claire Adams

Catalog and Curriculum Coordinator, Department of History

Colleagues praise Adams for her ability to handle complex technical processes related to course sectioning and scheduling. They appreciate her institutional knowledge, ability to answer any question, and being a resource for all.

“Faculty, staff, and students say your service-oriented mindset and dedication to the department are second to none,” said Harvard President Alan Garber, who highlighted the accomplishments of each honoree as host of the ceremony.

Carol Ampey-Sullivan

Office Manager and Financial Aid Officer, Admissions and Financial Aid

Colleagues describe Ampey-Sullivan as a fountain of institutional knowledge who always goes above and beyond to ensure families get needed answers to complex questions. She is also a friendly and welcoming face at the front desk, keeping the office running smoothly and going out of her way to offer support where needed.

“Working with you, students, families, and colleagues know they’re not just another number, but valued community members,” Garber told her.

Thomas Bourgeois

Director of Cambridge Science Graduate Programs, Division of Science Dean’s Office

Colleagues say Bourgeois wears many hats depending on what the situation requires — financial expert, communicator, advisor. He has even stepped up in recent years to provide interim leadership at Harvard Forest and the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. He supports a wide diversity of graduate programs and always seeks to build bridges across units.

“Supporting an assorted portfolio of life and physical science graduate programs is tough in ‘normal times.’ But you make it look easy even in ‘not-so-normal’ times,” Garber said.

Matt Burke

House Administrator, Adams House

Colleagues say Burke has worked tirelessly to help Adams navigate House renewal. Whether he is coordinating large-scale Commencement events or making individualized plans for residents who require accommodations, he makes the work seem easy and remains a familiar and friendly face around Adams.

“You’re still getting to know students better in 10-minute conversations than most do in several years,” Garber said. “Students feel safe, seen, and included because ‘At Adams, You’re There.’”

Sandy Cantave Vil

Program Coordinator, Center for Jewish Studies

Colleagues describe Cantave Vil as a “pillar” of the Center, with a deep knowledge of Harvard’s complex internal systems and the ability to handle logistics with grace and a can-do attitude. She greets everyone with a smile, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

“Visitors and fellows rely on your expertise as they wade through paperwork, acclimate to campus, and explore University resources like the Judaica Collection,” Garber said. “You’ve rescued the donor database, managed highly acclaimed events, and cultivated a respectful space for all.”

Danielle da Cruz

Associate Director of Finance and Research, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology

Colleagues describe her as a “powerhouse” who keeps the department running smoothly and offers dependable leadership when needed. Nominators made particular note of the way da Cruz stepped up with utmost professionalism to support the department this year by covering multiple roles that unexpectedly became vacant.

“You didn’t just make things work, you made things better,” Garber said.

Kara Fili

Student Employment Office Coordinator, Admissions and Financial Aid

Colleagues say Fili, who works with the SEO job database and plans events, is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, whether she is improving digital accessibility or picking allergen-friendly food. She has also worked extensively to make it easier for international students to search for employment.

“Recognizing the needs of international students, you worked with campus partners to restructure the job fair with clear placement for on- and off-campus employers and direct access to International Office staff,” Garber said. “Your initiative keeps the Student Employment Office accessible for everyone.”

Luis Guerrero

Building Assistant, Dumbarton Oaks

Colleagues say Guerrero demonstrates an unwavering work ethic in his commitment to providing high-quality cleaning services. Always willing to step up to cover a shift or assist teammates, he pushes himself and his team to be stronger, more cohesive, and effective.

“When snow blanketed campus last winter, you volunteered to work back-to-back days to keep things running while hazardous roads kept others home,” Garber said. “That kind of dedication didn’t surprise longtime teammates who know that you cover shifts and solve problems before others even notice.”

Krishna Lewis

Director of Fellowship Program, Hutchins Center for African and African American Research

Colleagues marvel at the enthusiasm Lewis brings to her role, whether she’s hosting the weekly colloquium series, organizing workshops and programming, or onboarding new fellows. Lewis works to create a welcoming community and environment, and she even offers to mentor other fellowship program directors around the FAS.

“Your unflagging energy and genuine warmth are central to the Hutchins Center’s historic fellowship program,” Garber said.

Dominic Mao

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Committee on Chemical and Physical Biology

Colleagues say Mao brings a relentless work ethic and selfless approach to his role, always building connections and mentoring students with creativity and generosity. He founded the Program for Scientifically Inspired Leadership, which brings undergraduates to rural India annually to teach science to high schoolers.

“Your lifelong commitment to uplifting others proves that science is service,” Garber said.

James McKenna

Colleagues say McKenna has brought energy and fresh perspective to facilities operations in the science buildings and labs, skillfully managing the 500,000-square-foot space which operates 24/7 to conduct research. Its complex facilities must be constantly monitored and maintained.

“With a keen focus on infrastructure, you keep research running toward its next big breakthrough,” Garber said.

John Orphanos

Manager of Classroom Video Production Operations, Division of Continuing Education

Orphanos manages a fleet of professional videographers who record courses for livestreaming. Colleagues say he’s a “team player,” constantly crossing campus to troubleshoot problems, while staying on top of a swiftly changing video industry.

“With hundreds of hours of video each week, you bring students into Harvard classrooms from all parts of the world,” Garber said. “Your commitment to both technology and technique pushes our distance learning efforts to new heights.”

Deana Reardon

Executive Director, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Colleagues say Reardon’s warm personality is matched by the stellar leadership and the analytical, creative skills she brings to her work overseeing operations and providing support for faculty and staff. Reardon’s nominators say she centers people in her decision-making, always willing to listen or offer wise guidance while demonstrating “complete mastery” of the department’s operations.

“You’ve steered and strengthened CCB through back-to-back years of unprecedented challenges,” Garber said. “Leading teams confidently through complexity, you are powering transformative research.”

Jennifer Segawa

Neuroimaging Staff Scientist, Center for Brain Science

Colleagues call her “essential,” both for her extensive technical expertise in neuroimaging methodology and her work organizing workshops and MRI demonstrations for students. Segawa makes science fun, empowers those around her, and is a trusted source of advice and support for her students.

“Whether you’re troubleshooting button box issues, sharing your favorite snacks, or advising a grad student on last-minute poster details, you show up and show you care," Garber said.

Katherine Veach

Assistant Dean for First-Year Academic Programs, Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Education

In recent years, Veach led the launch of the Rising Scholars Program, which had a massive impact on student lives, according to colleagues. Several students who contributed to Veach’s nomination described her as a trusted resource and guide who creates a strong community, giving students the courage and confidence to pursue their dreams.

“In just three years, you’ve built a true family among students who call you a ‘transformative influence,’ an ‘extraordinary mentor,’ and ‘a remarkable human being,’” Garber said.