Charles William Eliot

The obverse of William Clark Noble’s medal shows Charles William Eliot (1834-1926), who served as president of Harvard University from 1869 to 1909. Eliot’s major accomplishments include editing the Harvard Classics and spearheading the elective system, which allowed students greater freedom in course selection. The laurel wreath behind the portrait profile appears as well on the reverse, accompanied by a dedication that may have come from Eliot’s often quoted public remarks.