"We get a real range of people, including journalists, lawyers, judges and scientists that come from 80-90 countries," says Jill R. Chamberlain, assistant director for administration who works in the marshal's office.

Finally, it is Hunt's responsibility to appoint delegates to represent Harvard at different universities and professional associations in the United States and in other countries and to coordinate their trips. The University usually disperses 60 delegates to the four corners of the world.

The Loose Ends

Beyond the high-profile tasks of inviting and receiving the visitors, Hunt must coordinate the behind-the-scenes details of pomp and circumstance.

To prepare for visits, the University Marshal advises particular groups and organizations on protocol for certain visitors. For example, Hunt says, his office frequently instructs students and faculty on the proper way to greet visitors and to write invitations or thank you notes.

Hunt works closely with the Crimson Key Society to organize tours and orientation sessions for interested visitors.

"The undergraduates know the undergraduate life," he says. "So they can best give informational tours of Harvard Yard, Widener, etc."

And, of course, there is always the important job of hanging the correct flag from the Yard side of University Hall when foreign visitors come.