Every year in May, the Graduate Commons Program hosts an appreciation night for our Community Advisors. These residents work tirelessly throughout the year to support GCP programs which make Harvard home for all. GCP would not be the program it is today without their support, and kicking off a year of tenth anniversary celebrations meant starting by thanking our CAs!

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GCP hosted at the Queens Head pub. Graduating CAs were given a small token of gratitude – a framed key – to symbolize both the many doors they had opened for their peers during their time in the role, and the promise that they could always return home to Harvard.

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Former Harvard president, Drew Gilpin Faust, was the guest of honor. Her “One Harvard” vision was the driving force behind the creation of GCP. She championed the integration of campus services during her tenure, making it easier for all members of the campus community to take full advantage of what the university has to offer.

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The GCP Faculty Fellows award, given annually to a Harvard faculty member who has contributed to GCP’s mission, was renamed in Faust’s honor. In a speech to all attendees, GCP Program Director, Lisa Valela, thanked Faust for her inspiration and backing. As she, too, reflected on her decade of leadership, Faust emphasized the importance of structures which  both support the university's research mission, and foster inclusion. It was a wonderful way to start the year of celebrations ahead!