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

Modern building surrounded by trees and a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Harvard will rename the building following a $100 million gift from Stuart Zimmer ’91.

Construction site featuring tall concrete structures, cranes, and a blue sky with clouds.

Pritzker Hall, designed for collaboration, should be complete in 2027.

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

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

Most popular

A blue refrigerator covered with animal pictures, notes, and drawings, surrounded by greenery.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Drawing of a distant solitary figure walking alone toward the horizon along a narrowing path of light edged on both sides by darkness

The Loneliness Pandemic

As the country isolates, are we all alone?

Students writing at desks on wheels, racing ahead of a stationary student at a fixed desk

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

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Explore More From Current Issue

Label showing the anatomy of a worker bee, featuring a detailed illustration.

Museums & Collections

Science and art capture the microscopic natural world.

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.

A vibrant group of dancers in colorful outfits poses on a stage with shiny decorations.

Arts & Culture

The Harvard Arts Medalist wants his smash-hit Cats revival to reach “as many young queer people” as possible.