9.24.2009

Harvard Alum Named to Kennedy's Seat on Interim Basis

Kirk fills the seat left by the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy ’54, LL.D. ’08.

Paul G. Kirk Jr. ’60, LL.B. ’64, will succeed the late Edward M. Kennedy ’54, LL.D. ’08, as U.S. Senator from Massachusetts on an interim basis, Massachusetts governor Deval L. Patrick ’78, J.D. ’82, announced this morning. Kirk, who was a special assistant to Kennedy from 1971 to 1977 and later became chairman of the Democratic Party from 1985 to 1989, has remained close to the Kennedy family; he served as master of ceremonies for the celebration of Kennedy’s life held the evening before the senator’s funeral, and is currently chairman of the Kennedy Library Foundation.

A special election will take place on January 19 to choose the successor who will serve out Kennedy’s full term, which runs through 2012.

Related topics

University News

Students & Alumni

You might also like

A drawing of a young boy reading by lamplight.

What of the Humble Pencil?

Review: At the Harvard Art Museums’ new exhibit, drawing takes center stage

View of Harvard Science Center through a gate

Harvard Research Funding Will Resume, Government Signals

Notices of grant reinstatements follow a court ruling, but the Trump administration could still appeal.

Outdoor convocation ceremony with a crowd seated under a tent, against Memorial Church

At Harvard College Convocation, an Emphasis on Open-Mindedness

Garber, other leaders sidestep politics but welcome international students.

Most popular

Illustration of college students running under a large red "MAGA" hat while others look on with some skeptisim.

How MAGA Went Mainstream at Harvard

Trump, TikTok, and the pandemic are reshaping Gen Z politics.

A bronze sculpture of intertwined hands in a park, with a discussion panel in the foreground.

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

Student walking under bright stage lights shaped like smartphones displaying social media apps.

Two Years of Doxxing at Harvard

What happens when students are publicly named and shamed for their views?

Explore More From Current Issue

Will Makris in blue checkered suit and red patterned tie standing outdoors by stone column.

A New HAA President at a Tumultuous Time

A career in higher ed inspired Will Makris to give back.

Man, standing in small group of people outside the courthouse, holding a sign that reads "HANDS OFF HARVARD" in red letters

Harvard’s Standoff

Harvard’s Summer in Court

What Columbia’s settlement means for the University

Julie Riew, wearing a white dress, playing guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.

Humanities & Arts

Bringing Korean Stories to Life

Composer Julia Riew writes the musicals she needed to see.