Finally, Summers was invited to sit in the historic Harvard president’s chair—an uncomfortable feat, he later implied, although he grinned as he took his seat in the Holyoke chair.
Addressing Harvard’s Future
When he came to the podium, Summers began his address with an unscripted, enthusiastic, “I accept!” that echoed his original Loeb House press conference almost seven months ago, when the University first officially introduced him as its choice.
But Friday, after months of consulting, planning and getting acquainted with Harvard, Summers was more specific and forthcoming than he was in March.
He introduced plans for University reform, highlighting the need for a targeted approach to undergraduate education, University unity, science programs and globalization.
He also talked about long-range issues including physical expansion and financial aid (see related story, page A-1).
“We will need in the years ahead to ensure that teaching and learning are everything they can be here,” he said, “especially at the very heart of the University—Harvard College.”
The installation concluded as the bells of the city of Cambridge rang for the third time in honor of a Harvard president taking office, the first time since 1909 and the inauguration of A. Lawrence Lowell, Class of 1877.
Friends Of Larry
After the ceremony, participants and audience members filed out of the Yard towards Loeb House for an hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception.
As students, faculty and major donors munched on truffles and cucumber sandwiches, Summers shook hands with guests.
“It’s one of those moments in history where someone who deserves something ends up where he belongs,” said Summers’ childhood friend Richard Neff. “He’s the most loyal, wonderful person. No matter what he’s achieved, he’s still Larry.”
Another old friend—Summers’ predecessor as Secretary of the Treasury, Robert E. Rubin ’60—said he was impressed by Summers’ speech.
Rubin, whose lobbying was vital to getting Summers the spot, said, “It was Larry—smart, thoughtful, good sense of humor.”
—Staff writers David H. Gellis and Kate L. Rakoczy contributed to the reporting of this story.
—Staff writer Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at shoichet@fas.harvard.edu.