Acerca de
Harvard Love Stories
Harvard alumni recount their first sparks, first dates, lasting impressions.
Celeste Lee EDM ‘96 & M. David Lee MAUD ‘71
​
Philanthropist Celeste Lee EDM ‘96 and Stull and Lee Incorporated President M. David Lee MAUD ‘71 had known each other for years through mutual friends and social gatherings, but it was their first opportunity to work together — Celeste with her PR firm, both serving the same real estate client — that allowed them to see each other in a new light. Over lunches and dinners, they discovered a shared love of art, literature, history, and travel, along with a deep commitment to social justice and community philanthropy.
​
From the start, they recognized in one another a respect for independence and personal space — David, an only child, and Celeste, the oldest of ten siblings, both valued periods of alone time. That balance between togetherness and autonomy became a defining feature of their relationship. Shared values, mutual respect, trust, and the ability to make each other laugh drew them close — and, as Celeste puts it, “we really like each other!”
​
Their love is anchored by thoughtful practices that keep them grounded. They make decisions together, large and small, don’t keep secrets, try to never go to bed angry, and approach conflicts with care rather than cruelty. A simple kiss before parting, even after a disagreement, is a daily ritual, and their “Monday messages” — notes celebrating small joys from the weekend and giving each other a boost for the week ahead — are a cherished tradition.
​
Love, they say, has taught them to be completely open and candid, relying on the respect and trust they have for one another to navigate both mundane choices and life-altering decisions. Communication and sharing form the foundation of their enduring bond.
Even after decades together, they continue to grow and learn. Preparing to downsize from a home filled with many memories, they are learning more about each other’s histories, discovering what they hold dear, and negotiating the delicate art of letting go. This process, while emotionally challenging, strengthens their connection and deepens their understanding of one another.
​
Celeste and David hope their partnership will be remembered as a remarkable balance of fun, humor, respect, and admiration. Their shared dedication to justice, human and civil rights, and social equity shines through in their respective work — architecture and planning, and philanthropy — as well as in the way they engage with family, friends, and community. They are often seen as a unit, so connected that many describe them as “one entity,” embodying love, friendship, and devotion.​
Kyle Renard Burton MD ‘18, MPP ‘19 & Julie Hutchinson Burton MPP ‘19​
​
Acute care physician Kyle Renard Burton MD ‘18, MPP ‘19 first noticed Strategic Analysis Incorporated Senior Health Policy, Technology & Systems Advisor Julie Hutchinson Burton MPP ‘19 during Harvard’s revisit weekend, captivated by the way she carried herself — a quiet confidence balanced with genuine curiosity about others and the upcoming grad school experience. She seemed, at once, warm and inviting yet slightly unapproachable, a combination that drew him in immediately.
​
Julie, in turn, admired Kyle’s independent spirit and steadfast nature. She was drawn to how he interacted with those around him, offering guidance and grounding while keeping life lighthearted and fun. Over time, what initially attracted them has matured into a love rooted in daily laughter, quality time together, shared family moments, and a vision for ongoing growth and building a life as partners.
​
One practice that keeps them grounded is the family’s nighttime routine. After long days of work and household management, they gather to watch their children play, reflect on the day, and share a prayer of appreciation. These small, intentional moments help center their family and nourish their connection.
​
Love, they say, has taught them to strive to be better versions of themselves each day. And yet, even after years together, they are still learning — especially how to savor the small, everyday moments rather than constantly chasing what’s next.
​
Kyle and Julie hope the strength of their principles, vision and partnership will be embodied by their children and how they treat one another and the community around them.
Peggy Cooper Davis JD ’68 & Gordon Davis JD ’67
​
From the very first moment between NYU Professor and lawyer Peggy Cooper Davis JD ‘68 and Venable LLP partner and civic leader Gordon J. Davis JD ‘67, there was a sense of wonder and light. As Peggy paraphrased in a song:
​
“The first time, ever I saw his face
I thought the sun rose in his eyes
And the moon and the stars
Were the gifts he gave
To the dark…”
​
That initial spark has grown into a love anchored in shared life and simple, meaningful routines — like sharing meals together, a quiet practice that keeps them grounded amid the demands of daily life.
​
Love, they say, has taught them to be hopeful, even in uncertain times. And yet, they are still learning — especially the art of trust, a deepening journey they navigate hand in hand.
​
They hope their partnership will be remembered as a sign that love enriches and endures, offering both warmth and inspiration to those around them.
Gloria White-Hammond MDIV ‘97 & Ray Hammond AB ‘71, MD ‘75, AM ‘84
​
Bethel AME Church senior pastors Reverend Ray Hammond AB ‘71, MD ‘75, AM ‘84 and Gloria White-Hammond MDIV '97 first met on the evening of April 8, 1971, standing together on the front steps of St. Paul. In the company of their church family, their courtship blossomed, and two years later, they were married. Fifty-two years on, they reflect on their union as the most treasured gift God has given them, apart from the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
​
They are filled with gratitude — for the aisle they walked down, the altar at which they knelt, and the loved ones who surround them: family, friends, their congregation, and the broader Boston community. They acknowledge that they are here because of countless acts of love, support, and encouragement over the decades — the “52 years of yesterdays” that have shaped their lives.
​
The evidence of God’s love working through others and in their own hearts has fueled their breakthroughs over the years. Gloria marvels at Ray’s steadfastness, with a life of integrity witnessed by their children, grandchildren, extended family, congregation, and community. She calls him blessed, a testament to devotion and faithfulness.
​
Ray reflects on a note he wrote 25 years ago: he felt “gently bound by loving cords of acceptance and encouragement and commitment and responsibility.” He thought he knew storms then — yet the years brought deeper challenges: the delicate balancing of caregiving, the loss of elders and friends, faith tested, prayers unanswered, hopes unrealized. And yet, through every storm, he found grace— in shared laughter, tears, triumphs, tragedies, and in the love he and Gloria cultivated together. He describes their life as a gift: a godly partnership of two imperfect people striving together to make the most of life and love.
​
Together, they celebrate the blessings of fifty-two years: a family that lifts them, a church that anchors them, a community that inspires them. Through every challenge and joy, they stand as a living testament to the transformative power of love.
Clarence Augustus "Gus" Martin AB ‘78 & Jane Howard Martin AB 79, JD ‘82
​
Respectful Employer LLP Managing Principal Jane Howard Martin AB 79, JD ‘82 and California State University, Dominguez Hills Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice Administration Clarence Augustus "Gus" Martin AB ‘78 have been together since Jane’s freshman year at Harvard, drawn to one another by a blend of intellect, character, and presence. Gus’ combination of intellectual intensity and rugged masculinity captivated Jane, while his handsome, grounded nature anchored her admiration. Jane, in turn, has always drawn Gus in with her intelligence, sense of achievement, and a humane philosophy that informs both her career and her commitment to family and community.
​
Their shared curiosity about the world has kept their connection lively and ever-expanding. Their love is strengthened through shared practices that nurture both mind and body. Fitness is a passion they pursue together, often taking long walks that allow time for reflection and conversation. They also share a love of history and travel, recently exploring the western coast of Africa from Cape Town to Accra. These experiences, whether physical or intellectual, provide balance, joy, and grounding in their life together.
​
Over the years, love has taught them patience. They’ve learned to give each other the space to grow, understanding that people evolve at different times and in different ways. This patience has been essential as they navigate the next chapter of life — now empty nesters, healthy, and focused on making sure their dreams are fulfilled while having more fun along the way.
​
Together, Gus and Jane have contributed to the world in complementary ways. Gus has impacted lives through scholarship and teaching, while Jane channels her creativity and vision through her work, including Respectful Employer, a new company dedicated to fostering respect and positive culture in workplaces.
They hope their partnership will be remembered as a union that brought talents together for meaningful impact, rooted in curiosity, patience, and a shared commitment to living fully, loving deeply, and contributing to the community.