Statements from Harvard Presidents
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| Four Harvard presidents: Derek Bok (left), Lawrence H. Summers (center), Neil L. Rudenstine (right), and Nathan M. Pusey (seated). Pusey was president 1953-71, Bok 1971-91, Rudenstine 1991-2001, Lawrence H. Summers July, 2001-present (Staff photo by Jon Chase, June 6, 2001) |
"For nearly two decades, during a time of rapid growth and sometimes turbulent change in the University's history, Nathan Pusey served Harvard with both distinction and devotion. He had a profound sense of the values of the university, which he called 'one of the noblest creations of the mind of man.' He saw undergraduate education as the heart of our enterprise, and took great care to nurture it well. He also guided Harvard's transformation into a modern research university, while working energetically to build the faculty, to strengthen student financial aid, and to expand our understanding of other societies.
"When he and I had the chance to talk, it was clear that Nate Pusey was first and foremost a teacher--an excellent and intensely dedicated teacher--someone always willing to give of himself to help others learn more about the world and about themselves. He was a man of wisdom, faith, and quiet strength, and his purposeful passion for education left a strong imprint on the university he loved."
— Lawrence H. Summers
"President Pusey was a remarkable man and an extraordinary President. His devotion to the University, and particularly to Harvard College, made an enormous difference during his long tenure. He initiated and led a major campaign to strengthen every aspect of College life. It was a privilege for me and my wife, Angelica, to know him and Mrs. Pusey. We will miss him greatly, and we will all remain in his debt."
— Neil L. Rudenstine
In addition to Nate Pusey's many accomplishments at Harvard, I remember him for his unwavering kindness, decency, and thoughtfulness toward an inexperienced, struggling young dean who later turned out to be his successor. Both the University and I should count ourselves very fortunate to have benefited from the leadership and the personal example he provided us over so many years.
— Derek Bok