A longtime University Marshal, the founder of the Women's Leadership Challenge Fund and the third female president of the Board of Overseers have been named the 1999 winners of the Harvard Medal, given by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA).

Hauser, and Rene M. Landers '77 were selected as this year's recipients in recognition of their "extraordinary service to the University," according to a News Office press release.

University President Neil L. Rudenstine will present an engraved bronze medal and a calligraphy scroll to the winners during the June 10 Commencement, at the afternoon Annual Meeting of the HAA, said Jayne E. Cantor, the organization's assistant director of alumni relations.

"I had no expectation I would be getting it, so it was wonderful," said Landers, who currently practices health care law at the firm of Ropes & Gray in Boston. "Unexpected good things are always nice to have happen to you."

Landers was a member of the Board of Overseers, an alumni body charged with evaluating various facets of the University, from 1991 to 1997 and its president from 1996-1997. She sat on more than a dozen Visiting and Standing Committees during that time.

She said she felt deeply honored to be selected out of a pool of loyal and illustrious alumni.

In the press release, Landers was cited for her "consummate leadership skills" which she has used "to build coalitions and create and atmosphere of cooperation during her remarkable service to Radcliffe and Harvard."

Anderson served as University marshal from 1965 to 1982, a position in which he welcomed heads of state and other visiting luminaries to Harvard.

As marshal, Anderson also officially chaired Commencement ceremonies, where he "increased the speed and improved the style of the morning program," according to the press release.

In addition, the press release noted Anderson served as a guiding, stabilizing force on campus around the time of the University Hall takeover by students in April 1969.

"During the student unrest in the late '60s and early '70s, Anderson worked closely with the administration and senior faculty to orchestrate peaceful and festive ceremonies despite tension on campus," the press release stated.

Anderson was in charge of his class' gift at its 50th reunion when the class set a fundraising record. He is currently a member of his 60th Reunion Gift Steering Committee.

Hauser, too, has been influential within the University.

A Harvard Law School graduate, she "has been an inspirational catalyst moving the University forward at important frontiers," the press release stated.

Along with her husband, Gustave, she created the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at the Kennedy School of Government "to improve the quality of nonprofit management and the preparation of leaders in this sector."

Her aspiration "to encourage women to play leadership roles in philanthropy" led to her creation of the Challenge Fund, which "matches" some gifts from female donors with other donations in an attempt to encourage more women to give.

The National Campaign co-chair of the University Campaign, Hauser is currently a trustee of the Harvard Law School Club of New York City.

Three recipients are usually named as Harvard Medal winners each year, Cantor said. The awards have been given out annually since 1981.

"I think it's an important part of the HAA," Cantor said. "It's important to recognize people who serve the University."