Overseers Dis Gov

It is the disquieting habit of the compilers of the twenty-fifth-anniversary reports of College classes to publish a photograph of a class...

It is the disquieting habit of the compilers of the twenty-fifth-anniversary reports of College classes to publish a photograph of a class member as a senior and another one showing how he or she looks today. Stephen Michael O'Donnell '76, who has made his living mostly as a TV writer, notably for David Letterman, sent in the up-to-date photograph (right) and began his report as follows: "How much lovelier to begin this summary with 'I have discarded...' As in 'I have discarded prejudices, harmful delusions, material possessions,' etc. But the truth is that what I've been doing feels more like 'accumulation.' I have accumulated books, flesh, odd warts, moles and blemishes, souvenir coffee mugs, heartaches, Bic pens, CDs, videotapes, computer disks, good art, goofy art, some happy memories, and some real stinging hard ones....Sometimes, here in my forties, I feel like some wisdom and depth is accruing to me. (Accumulating?) Other times, I feel like the same old dope."  

Most popular

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

The Irresistible Allison Feaster

A basketball star's journey from the Harvard hardwood to the Celtics front office

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files

Explore More From Current Issue

Modern building surrounded by greenery and a walking path under a blue sky.

A New Landscape Emerges in Allston

The innovative greenery at Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex

Firefighters battling flames at a red building, surrounded by smoke and onlookers.

Yesterday’s News

How a book on fighting the “Devill World” survived Harvard’s historic fire.

Graduates celebrate joyfully, wearing caps and gowns, with some waving and smiling.

Inside Harvard’s Most Egalitarian School

The Extension School is open to everyone. Expect to work—hard.