In 1649, Oliver Cromwell effectively began his rule over the Commonwealth of England, religious freedom was codified in Maine and Massachusetts—and John Rogers graduated from Harvard College. Over 300 years later, his direct descendant, Nathaniel F.R. Rogers ’05 has become the most recent in his family’s long line of Harvard attendees. Eleven generations of Rogers descendants have worn crimson, and two of his ancestors served as president of the University: John Rogers (1682-1684) and John Leverett (1662-1724). At 6’2’’ and 155 lbs., Rogers is a lightweight rower with a heavyweight legacy.
“When I was little, I had Harvard pajamas,” Rogers says. He admits that his grandparents were eager for him to follow the family tradition, but adds that his father never pushed him. “I was definitely wary of the whole family thing,” Rogers says. “Now that I’m here, though, I realize that my Harvard isn’t their Harvard.”
In his senior year, Rogers didn’t have to worry about lining up a list of backups, having been admitted early to Harvard and Brown. Rogers says he occasionally thinks about how his family legacy might have affected his admission, but doesn’t let it worry him too much. “There’s certainly no rule that says children of alumni can’t be smart,” he says.
His background is what one would expect from someone of his birth. Hailing from Greenwich, Conn., he graduated from the boarding school Choate Rosemary Hall. He rows on the lightweight crew team and is concentrating in History of Art and Architecture. With his decidedly East Coast preppy style, Rogers certainly looks like Joe Harvard. Still, his manner lacks any entitled air about his sterling lineage.
Coming to Harvard with a legacy, Rogers says, can give students a different perspective. Choosing his words carefully, he explains, “I don’t want to make a blanket statement. Maybe they are a little bit more relaxed. [Legacy students] definitely work hard, but they are pretty comfortable here—not too stressed out.”
For Rogers, the last year and a half have been more about being at college than being at Harvard in particular. He says his family expects him to enjoy his time here, but not necessarily because he’s following in the footsteps of his ancestors. “My family would want me to make the most of college, wherever I was,” Rogers says. “College is expensive.”
