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

Historic building entrance featuring tall columns and a rounded arch doorway.

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

Stone building with large windows and stairs, under a clear blue sky.

At informational town hall meetings, faculty and staff press administrators for details.

Woman wearing a silver dress stands confidently against a gray background.

The Emmy-winning journalist was a mainstay of political coverage at NBC for two decades.

Most popular

Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way arching over a rocky silhouette.

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.

An illustration of GLP-1s and muscle, with charts

As weight loss medications become more common, Daniel Lieberman discusses the importance of preserving muscle.

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.

Explore More From Current Issue

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

Alumni Profiles

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

Aerial view of modern high-rise buildings surrounded by greenery and city skyline.

Architecture & Design

In a sea of red brick, the Science Center and Peabody Terrace make their mark.

Health & Medicine

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