University People

Jacqueline A. O'Neill Rose Lincoln / Harvard News Office Madam Marshal President Lawrence H. Summers has appointed Jacqueline A...

Jacqueline A. O'Neill
Rose Lincoln / Harvard News Office
Madam Marshal

President Lawrence H. Summers has appointed Jacqueline A. O'Neill the University Marshal, effective February 1, filling a post left vacant since August 2002, when Richard M. Hunt retired after two decades of service. O'Neill, who was staff director for President Neil L. Rudenstine, has most recently served as communications director for the Allston Initiative. She has also organized such major events as the convocation honoring Nelson Mandela in 1998 and Harvard's past two presidential inaugurations. As marshal, she coordinates visits to campus by world leaders, acts as Harvard's chief protocol officer, and coordinates the annual Commencement exercises. The Commencement Office, in Wadsworth House, which had reported to the Harvard Alumni Association since Hunt's retirement, will once again report to the marshal. The International Office, responsible for foreign students and visiting scholars, has become part of the Office of the General Counsel. O'Neill's new duties are a half-time responsibility and she will continue to work on external relations for Allston development.

 

Social Sciences Star

William Julius Wilson
Courtesy William Julius Wilson

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has conferred its Talcott Parsons Prize, awarded for outstanding contributions to the social sciences, on Geyser University Professor William Julius Wilson. Ford professor of social science emeritus Daniel Bell was so honored in 1992.

 

Richard P. Melnick Christine Fairchild
Harvard Business School Harvard Business School

Business Brass

The Business School's new chief financial officer and executive director of external relations, both internal promotions, are Richard P. Melnick and Christine Fairchild, respectively. They take over from Donella M. Rapier, previously associate dean, whose former job was reorganized when she became Harvard's vice president for alumni affairs and development in October.

Polly Price

 

Personnel Person

Harvard's top personnel officer, Polly Price, who has been associate vice president for human resources since 1996, will retire on September 1. During her tenure, Price oversaw new agreements with the University's unions; implemented extensive automated hiring and personnel-management systems; expanded education for workers at all skill levels; created new policies for fair, uniform treatment of part-time workers; and directed compliance with the "Katz committee" recommendations on new compensation and benefits programs for the lowest-paid service employees.

     

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks at the University’s Alumni Day festivities.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

A dancer in a black leotard poses gracefully in a bright studio, with mirrors reflecting her movement.

A New Black Swan Musical Cranks Up the Tension

The creative team of the A.R.T.’s new show dish on adapting Darren Aronofsky’s thriller classic from screen to stage.

Historical scene depicting a parade with soldiers and a town square in the background.

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.