20 Harvard Notable Alumni Who Changed the World

When you think of Harvard, chances are names like Barack Obama or Mark Zuckerberg come to mind—and for good reason. Harvard is where people go on to shape the world.

Whether you’re curious about who’s walked those iconic halls before you or just love a good success story, diving into the lives of Harvard notable alumni is both inspiring and eye-opening. From presidents to pop culture icons, this list proves that a Harvard education can take you just about anywhere.

• Harvard Notable Alumni in Politics
• Harvard Notable Alumni in Science and Tech
• Harvard Notable Alumni in Business
• Harvard Notable Alumni in the Arts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Harvard Notable Alumni in Politics

Harvard has a long history of producing influential leaders, and the political world is no exception. These Harvard notable alumni have made their mark on history through public service and leadership.

1. John F. Kennedy

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations (Class of 1940)

You can’t talk about Harvard notable alumni without mentioning John F. Kennedy. Before he became the 35th President of the United States, JFK was a Harvard student, Class of 1940.

His senior thesis, “Why England Slept,” analyzed Britain’s lack of preparation before World War II and was so well-received it was actually published as a book. Pretty impressive for a college student, right?

At Harvard, he was also a member of the varsity swim team and known for his charm and wit. His time at Harvard clearly shaped his views on global affairs and leadership, laying the foundation for his future in politics.

2. Barack Obama

Degree: Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (Class of 1991)

Barack Obama’s time at Harvard Law School was a major turning point—not just because he excelled academically, but because he made history. He became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review, a milestone that signaled the kind of thoughtful, trailblazing leader he would become.

At Harvard, Obama honed his ability to navigate complex issues and bring people together—skills that proved invaluable when he later made history again as the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office.

During his two terms, Obama tackled some of the country’s toughest challenges. He passed the Affordable Care Act, expanding healthcare access for millions, and played a key role in steering the nation through the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

3. Al Gore

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Government (Class of 1969)

Al Gore graduated cum laude in 1969 with an A.B. in government, and his senior thesis—The Impact of Television on the Conduct of the Presidency, 1947–1969—was ahead of its time.

After Harvard, Gore enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military journalist during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971.

Gore went on to serve in the U.S. Senate and eventually as Vice President under Bill Clinton. He championed environmental protection, pushed for tech innovation, and supported policies that aimed to modernize government. (And yes, he once jokingly got tagged with “inventing the internet” because of how early he backed its development.)

Then came his climate mission. Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth brought global warming into the spotlight, earning an Oscar and sparking worldwide conversation. In 2007, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental efforts.

4. Janet Reno

Degree: Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (Class of 1963)

Janet Reno was the longest-serving U.S. attorney general of the 20th century and the first woman to have ever held the post.

After earning her law degree, Reno began her legal career in private practice. She later served as the State Attorney for Dade County, Florida, becoming the first woman to hold that position.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her as Attorney General, a role she held until 2001. During her tenure, she oversaw significant legal reforms and high-profile cases, including the prosecution of the Unabomber and the Oklahoma City bombing.

Her tenure was marked by efforts to reform the criminal justice system and uphold civil rights.

5. Henry Kissinger

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Class of 1950)

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Henry Kissinger utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Harvard College, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1950.

He continued his studies at Harvard, earning a Master of Arts in 1952 and a Ph.D. in 1954. His doctoral dissertation, A World Restored, became a foundational work in international relations and established his reputation as a scholar of diplomacy.

Kissinger’s tenure at Harvard was marked by his deep engagement with global political issues, which laid the groundwork for his later roles in public service.

His academic work and policy analysis during this time earned him a reputation as a leading expert in foreign policy, leading to his appointment as National Security Advisor and later as Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

6. Deval Patrick

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature (Class of 1978), Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (Class of 1982)

Awarded a scholarship to Milton Academy, Deval Patrick became the first in his family to attend college, graduating cum laude from Harvard College in 1978 with a degree in English and American literature.

He then earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1982, where he served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau and won the Ames Moot Court Competition.

He served as a law clerk for Judge Stephen Reinhardt on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit before joining the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed him as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

In 2006, Deval Patrick made history as the first African American elected Governor of Massachusetts, serving two terms from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, he expanded access to healthcare, implemented education reforms, and fostered economic growth.

After his governorship, he continued his public service by co-leading the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Harvard Notable Alumni in Science and Tech

Harvard isn’t just known for producing presidents and policymakers—it’s also launched some of the biggest names in tech. These Harvard notable alumni in tech have reshaped the way we live, work, and connect.

7. Bill Gates

Degree: Attended Harvard College from 1973 to 1975 but left to co-found Microsoft

Bill Gates is pretty much the original Harvard dropout success story. He enrolled in 1973 with plans to study law, but it didn’t take long for computers to steal his attention. Safe to say, that pivot worked out.

While at Harvard, Gates teamed up with his childhood friend Paul Allen, and the duo started tinkering with software projects. That side hustle? It turned into Microsoft. Gates ended up leaving Harvard to pursue it full-time, and the rest is history.

Though he never earned a degree the traditional way, Harvard awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2007. In his commencement speech, Gates even joked about being a bad influence on Mark Zuckerberg—another iconic tech founder and one of the more recent Harvard notable alumni to take a similar path.

8. Mark Zuckerberg

Degree: Enrolled at Harvard College in 2002 and dropped out in 2004 to focus on developing Facebook

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched what would become the world’s largest social media platform straight from his Harvard dorm room. Originally created to connect Harvard students, it quickly snowballed into something much, much bigger.

Under his leadership, Facebook grew into a tech juggernaut, connecting billions of users and redefining how we share, post, and occasionally overshare. And he didn’t stop there—by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, he secured his place as one of the most powerful figures in tech.

With his wife, Priscilla Chan, Zuckerberg launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, committing billions toward education, medical research, and tackling social issues like inequality and disease.

9. Sheryl Sandberg

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (Class of 1995)

Sheryl Sandberg, the powerhouse COO behind Meta (formerly Facebook), is one of the most inspiring Harvard famous alumni in tech—and proof that brains, drive, and purpose can take you far. She graduated summa cum laude in 1991 with a degree in economics. Just two years later, she was back at Harvard, earning her MBA from Harvard Business School.

Sandberg sparked a worldwide conversation about gender equality with her bestselling book Lean In, urging women to speak up, lead boldly, and claim their space at the table. She also co-founded LeanIn.org, a nonprofit that supports women in reaching their goals and challenging workplace bias.

After experiencing the sudden loss of her husband, Sandberg opened up in her second book, Option B, using her platform to help others navigate grief and build resilience.

Harvard Notable Alumni in Business

When it comes to success in the business world, Harvard University has produced some of the most influential leaders and innovators. Let’s explore some of these remarkable individuals and the legacy they’ve built in business.

10. Michael Bloomberg

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (Class of 1966)

If you’re familiar with financial news, you’ve likely encountered Bloomberg terminals. The man behind this global financial services and media empire is Michael Bloomberg, a Harvard Business School (HBS) alumnus from the Class of 1966.

Starting his career at Salomon Brothers, he later founded Bloomberg L.P., revolutionizing how financial professionals access real-time data.

Beyond his business acumen, Bloomberg served as the Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013, implementing significant public health and environmental policies. His philanthropic efforts focus on education, public health, and the arts, with substantial donations to various institutions, including his alma mater.

11. Jamie Dimon

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (Class of 1982)

Jamie Dimon, a Harvard Business School alumnus from the MBA Class of 1982, is the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest financial institutions in the world.

Known for his candid leadership style, Dimon has steered the bank through numerous financial challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. His strategic decisions have solidified JPMorgan Chase’s position as a global banking leader.

12. Ann Sarnoff

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (Class of 1978)

Ann Sarnoff, who earned her MBA from Harvard Business School in 1978, made history as the first female CEO of Warner Bros., one of the ‘Big 5’ American film studios.

Before this role, she held executive positions at the BBC, VH1, and the Women’s National Basketball Association. Sarnoff’s leadership at Warner Bros. marked a significant step towards gender diversity in top executive roles within the entertainment industry.

13. Alex Behring

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (entered in 1995)

Alex Behring, a Harvard Business School MBA graduate, is a co-founder and managing partner of 3G Capital, a global investment firm known for its investments in companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev, Kraft Heinz, and Restaurant Brands International (which owns Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes).

Under Behring’s leadership, 3G Capital has been recognized for its aggressive cost-cutting strategies and significant mergers and acquisitions in the food and beverage industry.

14. Ray Dalio

Degree: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (Class of 1973)

Ray Dalio, an HBS MBA graduate, is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, with $130 billion in capital as of June 2022.

Dalio’s investment philosophy centers on radical transparency and meritocracy, principles he developed through his experiences and observations. His firm is known for its rigorous research and data-driven approach to investing, which has set industry standards.

Dalio has also authored books like Principles, sharing his life and work philosophies. Beyond finance, he is a philanthropist, having pledged to donate half of his wealth to charitable causes.

Harvard Notable Alumni in the Arts

Some of the most creative minds in film, literature, music, and theater got their start at Harvard. These Harvard notable alumni have left their mark on the cultural world, proving that a Crimson education can lead to both critical acclaim and creative brilliance.

15. T.S. Eliot

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Class of 1909)

When you think of Harvard notable alumni who changed the world with their words, T.S. Eliot easily makes the list. His use of symbolism, complexity, and raw emotion brought modern poetry into a bold new era.

While at Harvard, Eliot immersed himself in philosophy, literature, and languages—interests that clearly shaped his poetic voice. His groundbreaking poem The Waste Land captured the disillusionment of a post–World War I generation. It became one of his most iconic works, even if it wasn’t always fully understood.

Beyond The Waste Land, Eliot penned other unforgettable pieces like The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Preludes, and even The Naming of Cats, which later inspired the famous musical Cats.

16. Margaret Atwood

Degree: Attended Harvard University but did not complete a degree

When it comes to Harvard notable alumni who’ve made waves in both literature and activism, Margaret Atwood is a standout. Atwood earned her master’s degree from Radcliffe College, which was then part of Harvard University. You probably know her best as the author of The Handmaid’s Tale—that haunting dystopian novel that still hits hard today—but her influence stretches far beyond one story.

Over the years, she’s published dozens of novels, poetry collections, and essays, earning major literary honors like the Booker Prize and the Governor General’s Award.

Atwood is also a passionate environmental advocate and futurist. She often integrates ecological and political themes into her writing, pushing readers to think critically about the world we live in and the one we’re heading toward.

17. Tom Morello

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies (Class of 1986)

Before delivering some of the most iconic protest anthems of the ’90s, Morello was diving deep into social studies at Harvard, graduating in 1986. And those late-night debates about inequality, power, and politics clearly left a mark.

With Rage Against the Machine, he dropped hits like Killing in the Name and Bulls on Parade, songs that didn’t just rock—they rallied. Morello also co-founded Audioslave, teaming up with Chris Cornell for tracks like Like a Stone, and later reinvented himself as The Nightwatchman, integrating acoustic folk with powerful political commentary.

A Grammy winner and passionate activist, he also co-founded Axis of Justice to connect music fans with grassroots movements for change.

18. Rashida Jones

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion (Class of 1997)

Rashida Jones is one of the standout Harvard notable alumni making waves in Hollywood. The daughter of legendary music producer Quincy Jones, Rashida graduated from Harvard University with a degree in comparative religion in 1997.

You probably recognize her from hit shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office, where she charmed audiences with her sharp wit and down-to-earth presence. She’s also a skilled writer and producer, co-writing the script for Toy Story 4 and producing the critically acclaimed documentary Quincy about her father—which went on to win a Grammy.

19. Natalie Portman

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Class of 2003)

When you think of Natalie Portman, “Oscar-winning actress” probably comes to mind, but don’t forget she’s also one of the most brilliant Harvard notable alumni. While most college students juggle midterms and dining hall food, Portman was balancing her psychology degree with lightsaber duels in Star Wars. She graduated from Harvard in 2003, all while starring as Padmé Amidala in the iconic sci-fi prequels.

Portman has credited her Harvard education with helping her better understand human behavior, which she brings to every role she plays. From her haunting transformation in Black Swan to her powerful portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie, she’s proven she can master complex characters.

Outside of acting, Portman is deeply involved in activism. She’s a fierce advocate for women’s rights, education, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Her documentary Eating Animals highlights the impact of factory farming.

20. Matt Damon

Degree: Attended Harvard College but left before completing his degree to pursue acting

As one of the Harvard notable alumni, Damon studied English and actually started writing Good Will Hunting as a class assignment. That “little project” went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, launching him—and his childhood friend Ben Affleck—into Hollywood stardom.

Even without finishing his degree, Damon’s time at Harvard clearly shaped his sharp storytelling instincts. That foundation set him up for a legendary film career, starring in everything from The Talented Mr. Ripley to The Martian. He’s racked up five Oscar nominations (and counting) while proving he can take on just about any genre.

Damon also co-founded Water.org, a nonprofit bringing clean water and sanitation to communities around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are some famous women Harvard graduates?

Harvard boasts many influential alumnae. Natalie Portman (2003) is an Oscar-winning actress and advocate for environmental and animal rights. Michelle Obama, Harvard Law alumna and former First Lady, continues to inspire through her memoir Becoming. Sheryl Sandberg (HBS ’95), former COO of Facebook, is a leading voice for women in leadership.

2. Why are there so many celebrities who went to Harvard?

Harvard attracts talented, driven individuals from all over the world, so it’s no surprise that many go on to become household names. From pursuing acting or music to technology or politics, Harvard’s environment encourages creativity, innovation, and leadership.

3. What is Harvard’s motto?

Harvard’s motto is “Veritas,” which is Latin for “Truth.” It appears on the university’s seal and reflects Harvard’s commitment to the pursuit of truth through education, research, and intellectual inquiry.

4. How hard is it to get into Harvard?

Harvard is extremely competitive. Its acceptance rate typically hovers around 3–4%, meaning only a small percentage of applicants are admitted each year. Successful applicants usually have outstanding academic records, strong extracurriculars, leadership experience, and compelling personal essays.

Takeaways

• Harvard University has undeniably shaped the careers of some of the most influential people in the world.
• From political leaders to tech moguls, award-winning actors to groundbreaking writers, this list of Harvard alumni is proof of the power of education in unlocking potential and inspiring greatness.
• Dreaming of getting into Harvard? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of getting accepted.