Both of this year’s Marquand prize-winner received a check for $1,500.

At the reception, Lewis and University President Lawrence H. Summers stressed the importance of advising.

In his speech, Summers said that one of his most important tasks as president was “to promote [advising as] the most important academic activity.”

“I could not think of a more important thing we could do for the students,” he said. “There is a particular importance to influence an individual in a direct and concrete way.”

But both Summers and Lewis acknowledged there was significant work still to be done.

“Advising needs a lot of improvement,” Lewis said.

Lewis said the biennial survey of seniors shows that Harvard advising is deficient.

“The picture the data will show is not a happy one,” he said. “It’s a great shame. I’m very glad to have some attention focused on the issue.”

While students crowded the winners to congratulate them, Summers warned that the competition will be far stiffer next year. He has taken on an advisee and is eligible for both the Faculty and non-Faculty categories. “I’m very competitive,” he quipped.