ClassAct HR1973
With Gratitude: ClassACT HR73
We are deeply grateful to ClassACT HR73 for their invaluable partnership in helping bring the Pakistan Conference at Harvard to life. Founded by members of the Harvard-Radcliffe Class of 1973, ClassACT is a remarkable example of how alumni continue to live out the values of service, community, and purpose long after graduation. Their belief in cross-generational collaboration and their commitment to civic impact have been a guiding force in shaping this student-led initiative.
ClassACT—Achieving Change Together—is more than an organization. It is a dynamic platform for thoughtful engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and sustained action across causes and continents. At its core is the belief that the experience, expertise, and energy of individuals—when aligned—can drive meaningful change in the world.
Among their many initiatives, the Benazir Bhutto Leadership Program (BBLP) stands out as a deeply resonant and inspiring effort. Honoring the legacy of Harvard alumna and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, the BBLP empowers emerging leaders from Muslim-majority countries, with a special emphasis on Pakistan. It reflects ClassACT’s enduring belief in inclusive leadership, education as a force for human flourishing, and the role of principled individuals in shaping a better future.
We are especially grateful for the encouragement, thought partnership, and care that the ClassACT community has extended to our team. Their generosity of spirit and shared commitment to fostering dialogue, learning, and leadership has been central to making this conference a reality.
To all those at ClassACT HR73 who have contributed to this journey—thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in the power of coming together to achieve change.
Marion Dry
Chair and Co-Founder
Marion is Co-Founder and current Chair of ClassACT HR73. She also leads the Benazir Bhutto Leadership Program and developed the Bridge program and ClassACT Forums. Before this, Marion had a distinguished career as a concert and opera singer and was a longtime faculty member at Wellesley College, where she taught voice and opera.
Leigh Hafrey
Board Member
Leigh teaches ethics and leadership at MIT Sloan and previously served as a staff editor at The New York Times Book Review. He has authored two books and led values-driven leadership seminars for the Aspen Institute. He and his wife, Sandra Naddaff, served as Co-Masters of Mather House at Harvard, where they raised their two sons.
George Putnam
Co-Founder and Treasurer
George co-founded ClassACT after careers in law and finance. He is the founder of New Generation Research and New Generation Advisors, both focused on distressed securities. He has served on the boards of several major scientific and environmental nonprofits and is a trustee of the Putnam Mutual Funds.