‘SIGN OF GOOD FAITH’

Even in financially challenging times, University administrators emphasize the importance of sending the president on trips to distant lands, though it may be necessary to modify specific travel plans. Faust’s trip to Africa was postponed and scaled back from the original itinerary scheduled for spring break this year, which fell in the midst of the drawn-out budgeting process.

In that turbulent economic climate, a trip timed to coincide with a major global alumni conference in Africa and involving an entourage of deans and other staff would have appeared extravagant, not to mention a distraction from tasks at home. Instead, Faust met with smaller groups of alumni and research programs in Africa over a shorter period of time, cutting both financial and personnel demands.

But the presence of the president overseas benefits the University’s relationship with foreign governments and universities in ways that are difficult to quantify, officials say. As much as Faust may learn about the University’s research projects from touring laboratories, for instance, the spotlight shone upon the research centers themselves during her visit alone helps them to thrive.

“Our stature, our status, and the success of our satellite offices depend on high-level attention,” University Provost Steven E. Hyman says.

A gesture of recognition from Faust works wonders to develop relationships with foreign governments, especially in East Asia, says Vice Provost for International Affairs Jorge I. Dominguez. After a successful trip there in March 2008, Faust will return to Asia over spring break, making her way through Japan via bullet train before attending the opening of the Harvard Shanghai Center, a major satellite office in China’s largest city.

In contrast to the relative anonymity enjoyed by a university president in the United States, Harvard presidents often meet with a slew of high-ranking government officials when abroad—including, but not limited to, those who work to promote education. In Botswana, for instance, Faust dined with two former presidents, as well as the Minister of Health.

Outside the country, the Harvard brand remains an undiminished symbol of intellectual achievement, and the president’s interest in international University partnerships serves as part subtle flattery and part a sign of commitment and respect. Faust’s international presence evinces that the University’s top echelons take Harvard’s overseas projects seriously.

“I hope our presence would be a sign of good faith on our part of our engagement,” Faust says.

Obligations at home place natural limits on Faust’s global presence, especially as she says she prefers to travel when classes are not in session. But independent of time constraints, she has expressed a willingness to journey to the four corners of the world, often spontaneously exclaiming during meetings with donors, alumni, and visitors how much she would enjoy a trip to their homeland.

For its part, the overseas Harvard community has responded enthusiastically to her visits. Dominguez describes Faust as a “rock star” who is easily able to attract alumni audiences 10 times larger than the attendance at his events. Hyman, too, says that Faust is in much higher demand than himself—since “no one knows what a provost is.”

Faust may downplay her personal symbolic power, but her identity as both the first female president as well as the president of Harvard lends her an additional cachet. Audiences are eager to hear her perspective on a wide range of issues that combine the personal and professional aspects of her life—fielding the types of questions that may not have been posed to male presidents. Faust has been asked about subjects ranging from girls’ education to the balance between family and career—all increasingly global concerns.

”At Tsinghua University, she gets the sort of question no Harvard male president was ever asked: ‘How do you combine family and career?’” Dominguez recounts. “She gave a very thoughtful answer, began with a laugh, and said, ‘My private life has vanished. I’m living in a fishbowl.’”

Faust’s visits also help to build alumni communities abroad. Through the University’s international connections, faculty in Cambridge have more opportunities to collaborate with foreign universities, students receive exposure to research and internship opportunities abroad, and international alumni remain involved with the University.

Harvard alumni based abroad often feel “very isolated” from their alma mater, Hyman says. Even in Europe, which boasts sizable alumni networks in cities such as London, it is important for the University to make an effort to reach out to graduates.