Princeton Honors Smithsonian Executive and Mathematician at Alumni Day

The University recognized alumni Kevin Gover and Terence Tao for their distinguished careers and commitment to service.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Princeton University honored Smithsonian executive Kevin Gover and Fields Medalist mathematician Terence Tao at its 111th Alumni Day celebration. Gover, a Class of 1978 alumnus, received the Woodrow Wilson Award for undergraduate alumni, while Tao, who earned his Ph.D. in 1996, received the James Madison Medal for graduate alumni. The event also featured awards for top undergraduate and graduate students, as well as events marking the 200th anniversary of the Princeton Alumni Association.

Why it matters

The Alumni Day awards recognize Princetonians who have made significant contributions to their fields and demonstrated a commitment to public service, reflecting the university's mission. Gover's work with Native American communities and Tao's efforts to make mathematics more accessible are examples of how Princeton alumni are fulfilling the university's ethos of service.

The details

Gover, who has been undersecretary for museums and culture at the Smithsonian Institution since 2021, was recognized for his decades of work representing Native American tribes and developing policies to empower their communities. Tao, a renowned mathematician and UCLA professor, was honored for his groundbreaking research, efforts to make math more inclusive, and advocacy for scientific research and higher education funding.

  • Princeton held its 111th Alumni Day on February 21, 2026.
  • Gover received his bachelor's degree from Princeton in 1978 and an honorary doctorate in 2001.
  • Tao earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton in 1996.

The players

Kevin Gover

A Class of 1978 alumnus who has been undersecretary for museums and culture at the Smithsonian Institution since 2021. He previously served as director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Terence Tao

A Fields Medalist and UCLA professor of mathematics who earned his Ph.D. from Princeton in 1996. He is considered one of the leading mathematicians of this century and has worked to make math more accessible.

Princeton University

The host of the 111th Alumni Day celebration, which recognized distinguished alumni and students.

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What they’re saying

“Public service is about responsibility and not power. I always felt keenly aware that I was exercising the massive power of federal government in the decisions I was making.”

— Kevin Gover (Princeton.edu)

“One thing that Eli impressed upon me is that you are not just here in math to prove your theorems … but that service is also important and is a core value here at Princeton.”

— Terence Tao (Princeton.edu)

What’s next

The Princeton Alumni Association will continue its 200th anniversary celebration through October 22, 2026, which marks the university's 280th anniversary.

The takeaway

Princeton's Alumni Day honors alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities, reflecting the university's commitment to service and its role in developing leaders who stand up for higher education and important causes.