BOSTON -- Harvard Business School bestowed its highest honor, the Alumni Achievement Award, on nine graduates today at a special presentation during Reunion Weekend festivities.

The recipients included James E. Burke (MBA 1949), chairman and CEO emeritus of Johnson & Johnson; Lillian Lincoln Lambert (MBA 1969), founder, former president and CEO of Centennial One, Inc., and the first African-American woman to graduate from the School; Charles O. Rossotti (MBA 1964), cofounder, former chairman and CEO of American Management Systems, Inc., former commissioner of the Internal Revenue, Service, and currently a senior advisor at The Carlyle Group; and Daniel L. Vasella, M.D., chairman and CEO of Novartis AG.

In addition, the School honored the venture capital firm of Greylock, as represented by its founding and senior partners, Howard E. Cox, Jr. (MBA 1969), William Elfers (MBA 1943), Daniel S. Gregory (MBA 1957), Henry F. McCance (MBA 1966), and Charles P. Waite (MBA 1959). This marks the first time since the award's establishment in 1968 that HBS has recognized an entire organization.

"The mission of the Harvard Business School is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world," said Dean Kim B. Clark. "Throughout their careers, these distinguished graduates have contributed significantly to their companies and communities while upholding the highest standards and values in everything they do. As such, they represent the best in our alumni body. Exemplary role models, they inspire all those who aspire to have an impact on both business and society."