CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard Athletics community is mourning the loss of former Director of Athletics John P. "Jack" Reardon '60, who passed away Tuesday. A beloved figure across the University for more than four decades, Reardon led the Crimson from 1978-90 and devoted much of his professional life to serving Harvard and its students.
After graduating from Harvard in 1960, Reardon returned to campus in 1971 to serve as the University's Director of Admissions, while also working concurrently as an Allston Burr Senior Tutor in Kirkland House. In 1975, Reardon transitioned to Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges before leading the Crimson beginning in 1978.
During his time at the helm of the Harvard Department of Athletics, Reardon oversaw a $30-million construction and renovation program, helping the Crimson modernize its facilities. From a sport-sponsorship perspective, Harvard Athletics expanded its women's sports lineup and increased the overall budget.
Some of the notable athletic accomplishments the Crimson achieved with Reardon leading the department include the men's lacrosse team winning the 1980 Ivy title and earning its first NCAA berth, men's heavyweight rowing winning the 1983 national title, women's basketball capturing its first conference championship (1986), women's ice hockey securing the first of three straight Ivy crowns (1987), the men's ice hockey team emerging with the 1989 NCAA title, and Meredith L. Rainey '90 becoming the first woman in Ivy League history to win an NCAA individual championship in any sport (1989 outdoor 800m).
In 1987, the Harvard Varsity Club established the John P. Reardon '60 Men's Award, which is presented annually to the senior varsity athlete, that competes for a men's team, who exemplifies the qualities of excellent scholarship, character, leadership, and athletic ability — in short, Harvard Athletics' top scholar-athlete from a men's team. Nominations for this annual award come solely from Faculty Deans, Senior Tutors or Resident Deans.
Toward the end of Reardon's tenure, he took on added responsibility, serving as the Associate Vice President for University Relations from 1988-90. Then as his time as Athletics Director and Associate VP came to a close, Reardon shifted his focus to the University's graduates, becoming Executive Director of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), a role he held until 2014.
During his time with HAA, Reardon remained heavily involved with Harvard Athletics, representing the school from 2003-21 on the Ivy League Policy Committee. In his role, he helped the Ivy League bridge the gap between academics and athletics by reviewing, debating, and voting on conference policies, rule changes, and postseason procedures.
After retiring from his position with HAA, he continued to give back to Harvard, advising in a variety of areas across the campus community, including athletics.
