September 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.

You might also like

Ornate wrought iron gate detail against a clear blue sky.

FAS leaders say restructuring will be complete by mid-October.

A man smiling in a blue shirt next to a white gate with a plaque and greenery.

The award-winning international journalist has served as interim curator since 2025.

University Hall exterior with ornate windows and greenery.

College staff whose jobs will be changed or eliminated were notified this week.

Most popular

A woman with long hair stands confidently with crossed arms next to a pickup truck.

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.

Harvard rugby first-year scorer Sofie Fella

Rugby’s freshman scorer Sofie Fella

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Singer performing on stage with a guitar, wearing a hat, and surrounded by band instruments.

Arts & Culture

Singer Elisa Smith’s whiskey-soaked voice and subversive feminism is part of the genre’s urban shift.

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Arts & Culture

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

University News

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.