Legal Maneuvering Continues
The Trump administration’s appeal of the order restoring Harvard’s frozen federal grants and contracts continued this summer. Harvard’s July 15 brief in the case described the administration’s efforts as “an unprecedented, all-of-government campaign to punish Harvard for its perceived viewpoints and protected First Amendment activity”—using the pretext of antisemitism to justify the attack. A string of amicus briefs supporting Harvard had been filed with the court by late July. One, filed by Hillel International (which is not connected to Harvard Hillel), was withdrawn after public backlash from some Jewish groups and advocates. The organization said the amicus brief had not been reviewed internally.
Student Visa Rules to Change
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new nationwide rules limiting the length of visas issued to foreign students and visiting scholars from abroad. Prior rules stated that such visas would be valid for the “duration of study,” while the new rules require an application for an “extension of study” after four years. Most Ph.D. degrees entail at least five to six years of study. The new rules, subject to congressional review, are slated to take effect in September. President Alan M. Garber noted that the visa restrictions make it “less and less attractive for international students to come to the United States,” which is already competing for top candidates with nations including China.
Science Center Renamed Zimmer Hall
The Science Center will be renamed Zimmer Hall in honor of Alan Zimmer, who helped research and develop the use of advanced medical imaging technologies in the United States. He is the late father of hedge fund founder and investor Stuart Zimmer ’91, who with his wife Jennifer donated $100 million to the University in 2018 through the Zimmer Family Foundation. The gift will also be used to expand kosher dining options in Eliot House once renovations there are complete, as part of efforts to make Jewish students feel welcome across campus.
Government Probes Financial Aid to Chinese Students
The U.S. Department of Justice opened a new investigation into Harvard’s financial aid awards to Chinese students, suggesting that funds directed to students based on their national origin would constitute a form of discrimination. The investigation, opened on July 20, came with a sweeping document request and ordered the University to comply by July 31. A University spokesperson responded that “Harvard follows the law for required reporting of donations and, consistent with our legal obligations under Title VI, does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid. We are reviewing the Department of Justice’s latest letter to Harvard and will engage with the government regarding these issues.”
Rising Scholars Program Expands
Harvard’s summer program for pre-freshmen who are first-generation college students or from under-resourced high schools has doubled in size since its launch in 2023. This summer, the College welcomed 46 students to campus for a residential experience focused on bridging academic skill gaps and enhancing social supports through shared experiences.
Last Call in Cambridge
Drinking culture in Cambridge this summer proved to be a tale of two cities, as World Cup celebrations led to outdoor watch parties with approved public drinking, even as the Cambridge License Commission drafted new regulations that would have required a 30-minute wait between drink orders and a ban on alcohol sales within an hour of closing. Restaurant and bar owners called those measures a step too far, and by the end of June, they’d been withdrawn.
Comings and Goings
Former NBC News reporter and media executive Betsy Fischer Martin, known for bringing together people from across the political spectrum, is the new director of the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School. Rob Rassey, who was an assistant coach of the men’s hockey team at Harvard from 2013 to 2019, has been named head coach of the program. He arrives from the University of Michigan, where he was associate head coach. Henry Chu ’90, NF ’15, has been appointed curator of the Nieman Foundation, after serving as interim curator since July 2025. Chu spent most of his career at the Los Angeles Times, where he was part of two teams that won Pulitzer Prizes for breaking news coverage. Conant professor of education Judith D. Singer, who as senior vice provost was responsible for recruiting and retaining outstanding scholars, stepped down from the role on June 30. Singer, who advocated for the promotion of women to leadership positions (given slow turnover in the ranks of the largely male tenured faculty), is succeeded by astrochemist Karin Öberg.
From Ribbon-Cutting to Construction
On June 23, President Alan M. Garber, Boston mayor Michelle Wu ’07, J.D. ’12, Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer ’91, and state representative Michael Moran cut the ribbon that marked the official opening of the Enterprise Research Campus in Allston. The nine-acre development includes research facilities, residences, retail stores, restaurants, a hotel, and a conference center. A second phase of development on an adjacent parcel is currently being reviewed by the Boston Planning and Development Agency. In Cambridge, construction continues on Pritzker Hall, a nine-story building that will become the new home to the Department of Economics when completed in December 2027. The project is funded with a lead $100 million gift from Harvard Corporation senior fellow Penny S. Pritzker.
