Epstein has forged connections with both academics and politicians. For example, he introduced Nowak to President Bill Clinton, and he also brought Kosslyn together with Frankfurter Professor of Law Alan M. Dershowitz. Dershowitz now teaches a class with Kosslyn.
“He is a ‘connector’—he likes to bring people together who otherwise wouldn’t have made contact,” Kosslyn wrote.
Epstein first became well-known when he embarked on an African AIDS awareness tour with Clinton on Epstein’s personal jet. Since then, he has made major donations to humanitarian causes and scientific research.
Nowak has been one of Epstein’s favorite recipients and has used the estimated $500,000 to organize conferences and conduct research.
—Staff writer Stephen M. Marks can be reached at marks@fas.harvard.edu.
—Staff writer Lauren A.E. Schuker can be reached at schuker@fas.harvard.edu.