Eaton Professor of the Science of GovernmentRobert H. Bates, who is also affiliated with theHarvard Institute for International Development,expressed his admiration for Mandela's distinctivemanner.
"It's an odd kind of charisma," Bates said,"not the kind of charisma that fills the room, buta quiet charisma."
Jennifer D. Rogers '01 praised his presence onstage and his ability to hold the attention of anaudience.
"He's an incredible person," she said. "He'snot uptight. Everyone has so much respect forhim."
Friday's event even spotlighted Mandela's wit.
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"I didn't know he could tell a joke in themanner of Mark Twain," Bates said