Shira Palmer-Sherman, Class of 2002, is struck by a car and critically injured while crossing Eliot Street across from Charlie’s Kitchen. Palmer-Sherman, a history and literature concentrator in Pforzheimer House, dies at Mt. Auburn Hospital five days later.

January

The search to replace outgoing President Neil L. Rudenstine edges closer to conclusion as Harvard narrows the number of presidential candidates from over 450 to between 30 to 40. Removed from consideration were prominent political figures including Vice President Al Gore ’69 and President Bill Clinton.

A man walks into an exam at the Science Center and threatens to set off a bomb. He says he is “declaring war on the [expletive] United States of America.” Students are able to flee safely and the man is arrested. The man does not possess a bomb (Please see related story).

Dean of Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles announces the planning of a new science museum that would pull from the collections of four of Harvard science museums. The new museum, whose price tag could run in the hundreds of millions, would help to alleviate the space crunch throughout Harvard museums.

February

Kenan Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield ’53 states his belief that an influx of black students in the 1970s was tied to increases in grade inflation. The Black Student Association organizes a protest of around 60 students to peacefully sit-in during one of his government classes.

Despite the support of the Undergraduate Council, Masters deny 24-hour universal keycard access to the houses.

The Harvard presidential search committee meets with University of Michigan President Lee C. Bollinger, one of the top four finalists, in New York.

Following a financial aid increase by Princeton, Harvard announces an extra $2,000 increase in need-based-assistance.

March

Harvard Graduate School of Education receives a $12.5 million donation, the largest in school history, from the film star Jane Fonda. The money will fund a study on how gender affects child development.

The Faculty Council votes to recommend to the Faculty an increase in the termbill fee from $20 to $35. The optional fee goes to fund student groups supported by the Undergraduate Council.

The Crimson breaks the news that Lawrence H. Summers will become Harvard’s 27th president.

The Cambridge City Council criticizes Harvard for ignoring Cambridge while it awards a $5 million dollar grant to Boston schools. Councilors are angered that they were not informed of Harvard’s plans.