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
Alumni

You might also like

At Harvard, AI Meets “Post-Neoliberalism”

Experts debate whether markets alone should govern tech in the U.S.

Sam Liss to Head Harvard’s Office for Technology Development

Technology licensing and corporate partnerships are an important source of revenue for the University.

Garber to Serve as Harvard President Beyond 2027

A once-interim appointment will now continue indefinitely.

Most popular

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

What to do as men and boys fall behind

Explore Handcrafted Ipswich Rum, Cape Cod's Farms, and B.Good's Real Fast Food

Alumni promote the local origins of edible goods

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

A girl sits at a desk, flanked by colorful, stylized figures, evoking a whimsical, surreal atmosphere.

Undergraduate Column

The Trouble with Sidechat

No one feels responsible for what happens on Harvard’s anonymous social media app.

Historic church steeple framed by bare tree branches against a clear sky.

University News

Harvard’s Financial Challenges Lead to Difficult Choices

The University faces the consequences of the Trump administration—and its own bureaucracy

Cover of "Harvard's Best" featuring a woman in a red and black gown holding a sword.

Harvard History

A Forgotten Harvard Anthem

Published the year the Titanic sank, “Harvard’s Best” is a quizzical ode to the University.