Several Faculty members expressed admiration for Whinston's work and unhappiness at his possible departure.
"He plays a key role in two important areas--industrial organization and theory," said Professor of Economics Eric S. Maskin. "At the moment he is the major figure who is able to operate in those two fields."
"I shudder to think at the prospect of his leaving," he added.
"He is an important member research-wise and many got a lot out of him as a colleague," said Professor of Economics Oliver D. Hart. "He is an integral part of the department and will be very hard to replace."
But one senior Faculty member, who did not want to be identified, disagreed.
"He is a good young professor, and at Harvard that means pretty damn good, but he is not some superstar we should shed tears over," the Faculty member said