Alumni | February 11, 2011

Harvard's congressional contingent loses its lone woman, Jane Harman

The departure of Jane Harman, J.D. '69, returns the Harvard contingent's total to 31.

The contingent of Harvard matriculants in the 112th Congress totaled 35 for just over a month, until Democratic representative Jane Harman, J.D. ’69, of California, announced on February 8 that she would resign her post to become president, CEO, and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, in Washington, D.C.

Harman had been the only woman in the Crimson congressional group since Republican senator Elizabeth Dole, M.A. ’60, J.D. ’65, of North Carolina, left office in January 2009. The Californian’s departure means that the Harvard total for the new session now stands at 34: three Republicans and nine Democrats in the Senate; two Republicans and 20 Democrats in the House.

Updated November 7, 2012: The original article failed to note the election of John Garamendi, M.B.A. ’70, Democrat of California, and Terri Sewell, J.D. ’92, Democrat of Alabama, to the 112th Congress. The numbers above have been updated to reflect their presence. After Harman's departure, Sewell became the only woman in the Harvard congressional contingent.

You might also like

J. Max Bond wearing a grey suit and a red tie, holding drafting tools with an image of a building design behind him

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

Most popular

Two laboratory researchers, one seated and one standing, in a scientific lab with equipment.

The stakes are high for this husband and wife: one of them will die if they don’t find a cure.

According to an affidavit filed with the U.S. district attorney, Kim told authorities he was “motivated by a desire to avoid a final exam scheduled to be held on [Monday].”

Eldo Kim ’16 charged in Harvard bomb threat

Eldo Kim ’16 was allegedly trying to avoid a final exam.

A former Harvard College writing tutor changes her mind on LLMs.

Explore More From Current Issue

Decorative wrought iron gate framed by leafy branches, captured in sepia tones.

Former Indiana University president Thomas Ehrlich looks back on curriculum, co-education, and other major trends.

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Research

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.

University Hall with steps and the John Harvard statue, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn.

University News

Long-discussed reorganization includes layoffs and the end of the Dudley Community.