Just a month after she says she was home in Ghana, however, Agatha was first arrested by the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)—the first of several such encounters over the last two years.

Coming Home to Harvard

When Agatha arrived at Harvard is a matter of some debate—while the police and social services recall her presence in the Square at least two or three years ago, Agatha says she only arrived in June 2001 for her 20th Reunion.

“Over the past two or three years, she has had contact with several buildings across the University,” said Steven G. Catalano, an HUPD spokesperson.

Numerous libraries have reported visits from her and she has been an occasional visitor to the Office of Career Services.

Associate University Archivist Robin McElheny recalls that Agatha was a frequent visitor to the archives in Pusey Library, and that she occupied herself in the same ways as other visiting alumni—viewing class reports, requesting and paying for photocopies.

“She’s never bothered anyone here,” McElheny reports. “She would sit in here doing research. I’ve heard that she’s fallen asleep in the reading room, but she’s certainly not the first person to do that.”

For much of her time here, Agatha moved back and forth between the Science Center and Holyoke Center, spending hours a day at Au Bon Pain, blending in with the crowds around her.

However, sometime over the summer, her presence became more prominent as she settled into her current location at Holyoke Gate.

Police and others note that she never panhandles, instead keeping her own quiet routine amid the hustle and bustle near the MBTA bus stop.

Although hesitant to leave her bags behind, she often seeks refuge in nearby restaurants and the University Lutheran Church.

Harvard itself has had an awkward relationship with her since her recent return.

“I have been very much aware of the situation with Agatha and a number of other members of the administration came to me to help,” Counter says.

Counter recalls that he tracked down a Ghanaian minister living in Wellesley in an effort to get someone from the same culture to appeal to her and offer help.

University Health Services has offered assistance and the University has also tried to contact her family members—all to no avail.