Richard Griffin '51, a friend of Alfred and an audience member at the memorial, remembered Alfred's sense of charity.

"He never, ever turned down a panhandler in Harvard Square," Griffin said. "He was a wonderful bridge between the community and the University."

Griffin recounts a visit to Alfred's house. When Alfred came to the door, he was carrying cash in hand, eager to hand it over to the panhandler he expected to be at the door.

Other readers included the Reverend Peter J. Gomes, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church, Channing, actor/director Kathryn Walker and actor Maeve Kinkead '68.