Seven Harvard Law School staff members received this year’s 2026 Dean’s Award for Excellence on May 19 for their workplace contributions that embody the spirit of excellence within the Harvard Law School community.
In introducing this year’s awardees, Interim Dean John Goldberg expressed his gratitude for the creativity and spirit this year’s honorees bring to the Harvard Community.
“Today’s honorees are being recognized for the spirit of excellence they bring to their work and to our community every day,” said Goldberg.
“Their countless contributions to our mission set an important example for all of us to follow. Apart from excellence, today’s honorees share another important attribute: Each of them has been nominated by their peers. That shows that, in addition to being fantastic at their jobs, they are community-builders who bring people together and create connections in the process,” he said.
This year’s honorees were: Geny Caridad, bilingual administrative assistant, Legal Services Center; Lucas Harty, associate director, J.D. admissions; Courtney Majocha, associate director for digital strategy and design, Communications; Hezzy Smith, director of advocacy initiatives, Harvard Project on Disability; Maureen Stephens, planned giving associate, Major Gifts; Alaina Stuart, faculty affairs data manager, Office of Academic Affairs; and Kristen Zapata, senior manager for program delivery, Program on Negotiation.
An advisory committee comprised of staff from a wide array of departments and previous award recipients reviews nominations and submits recommendations to the dean. This year’s committee included: Burhan Ahmed, Information Technology Services; Samantha Burke, Faculty Support Services; Lauren Chapman, Registrar’s Office; Laura Johnston, Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation and Melissa Minaya, Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.
During the event, the dean also recognized two staff members who were selected as 2026 Harvard Heroes, a university-wide program celebrating the mission-focused achievements and extraordinary contributions of Harvard staff each year.
This year’s Harvard Heroes from Harvard Law School — John Arciprete, chief operating officer, Facilities Management; and Bryon Fong, executive director and research director, Center on the Legal Profession — will be honored on June 11 in Sanders Theatre.
