As chair of the Kennedy School's nonprofit policy and leadership program advisory board, Rita Hauser had an opportunity to see up close how faculty address one of society's pressing issues.

Sharing a conviction about the importance of a strong nonprofit sector, Rita and Gustave Hauser decided to establish a comprehensive center for research on all facets of the nonprofit sector and for training people to work effectively in and with nonprofits.

"We live in an era in which people all over the world increasingly recognize the limitations of government for managing the affairs of advanced, pluralistic societies," said Rita Hauser. "At the same time, contemporary forces such as information technology and economic globalization, while adding greatly to the world's wealth-producing capacity, also fuel dangerous economic inequalities and wrenching social change. I believe that, in these circumstances, nonprofit organizations offer our best hope of solving our most serious problems."

Gus Hauser added, "Nonprofit organizations themselves, however, now face daunting challenges. As private, nonprofit institutions assume greater societal responsibilities while continuing to absorb cuts in government funding, they must become more market-driven and entrepreneurial without losing sight of their missions. We have contributed to the establishment of the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Institutions because we believe in Harvard's unique capacity to address some of the most critical issues now

facing the nonprofit sector."

"Civic and nonprofit institutions are playing an increasingly important role in the governance of democracies as well as international relations," said Dean of the Kennedy School Joseph S. Nye Jr. "We are grateful to Rita and Gus Hauser for their foresight and generosity in helping Harvard to lead in developing policies and training managers for this rapidly growing sector."

Rita and Gus Hauser met at the Law School in the 1950s. Gus Hauser graduated in 1953, and then received LL.M. degrees from New York University in 1957 and the University of Paris, France, in 1958.

On her marriage, Rita Hauser transferred to New York University Law School, where she received her LL.B. in 1959. She also earned a French law degree (licence en droit) at the University of Paris Law Faculty in 1958 and a doctorate in political economy from the University of Strasbourg, France, in 1955.

Rita Hauser, whose career has been distinguished by frequent public service, practiced law as senior partner of the New York law firm of Strook & Strook & Lavan, specializing in international legal matters, and is now counsel to the firm. She is president of the Hauser Foundation, the couple's philanthropic organization, and chair of the International Peace Academy, which promotes multinational peacekeeping functions. Rita Hauser is a member of the board of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Institute, and the New York Philharmonic Symphony Society, among other organizations. She served as U.S. representative to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and as an American delegate to numerous international conferences.

Gustave Hauser, chairman and CEO of Hauser Communications Inc., is a pioneer of the modern cable television industry and is responsible for developing many innovations, such as the MTV Music Television and Nickelodeon television networks, pay-per-view, and other advanced interactive services. Hauser Communications is a private investment and operating company in cable television and international satellite and other electronic communications.

Both active philanthropists, the Hausers gave the Law School $13 million (the largest cash gift ever donated to Harvard or any other law school) for a new classroom and faculty building in 1995. In recognition of the gift, the Law School named it Hauser Hall.