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IOP Statements on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Harvard’s Institute of Politics Director Bill Purcell statement on the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

“The staff and students of Harvard's Institute of Politics are deeply saddened by the loss of our Senator and leader and friend, Edward M. Kennedy. From the beginning, Sen. Kennedy directed the work of the Institute to the legacy of his brother, President John F. Kennedy, and personally inspired our students to a life of public service. The most effective legislator in the Senate's history, he was also the most effective advocate for children, their families, and especially our students. We know "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die..." because he told us, and made it so.”

- Harvard’s Institute of Politics Director Bill Purcell


Harvard’s Institute of Politics Student Advisory Chair Mary Cox ’10 Statement on the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

“To our generation, Senator Kennedy was a rare embodiment of compassion and social justice. He was a friend and an inspiration to undergraduates, and students at the IOP will always be grateful to him for sharing with us his family's legacy of public service.”

- Mary Cox ’10, Institute Student Advisory Committee Chair


Former U.S. Senator (D-IA) and Institute of Politics’ Senior Advisory Committee Chairman John C. Culver on the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

Ted Kennedy was my friend for nearly 60 years.
Ted’s love of life was matched only by a dedication to public service.  His capacity for friendship and devotion to family were extraordinary.
The quality of his public service cannot be measured in years but in the many lasting contributions to a better life for people here and throughout the world. He will be remembered and missed not only for his incomparable and historic public service but for countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness to friends and strangers alike.

Those who knew him will always treasure memories of his laughter, humor and the joy of his company.
Mary Jane and I send our heartfelt condolences to his  wife Vicki, whom he loved so much, and to Teddy, Kara and Patrick, to Caroline and Curran and to his beloved sister Jean.”

- Former U.S. Senator (D-IA) and Institute of Politics’ Senior Advisory Committee Chairman John C. Culver

Motion Picture Association of America Chairman and CEO and former IOP Director Dan Glickman statement on the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

 “Ted Kennedy was a titan not only to his family but also for this country he so loved.  I had an opportunity to know him and learn from him not only during my years serving in Congress, but also during my service as the director of the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.  Ted was the driving force behind this institution which embodied his family’s devotion to public service and his quest to inspire young people to serve in politics.  Ted accomplished so much in his career because he was driven by his passion for justice for every citizen.  He frequently found allies for his causes with some of his most ideologically opposite colleagues, yet he never compromised his ideals or his values. 

“Ted famously said that ‘Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control.’  As our country continues to face difficult challenges, the leadership and bipartisanship that Senator Kennedy personified will be surely missed.  Yet, his passion for doing the right thing and effecting positive change to create a better future will serve as a beacon for our leaders.”

- Motion Picture Association of America Chairman and CEO and former IOP Director Dan Glickman


Statement by the Honorable Elaine L. Chao former U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001-2009) on the Passing of United States Senator Ted Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

“Perhaps no one else in Washington could inspire so many heartfelt tributes.  As Secretary of Labor, I found him to be a tough chairman, but one whose magnanimous spirit and good humor forged friendships and respect on both sides of the aisle.  I am also grateful to Senator Kennedy for inviting me to join the board of the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School.  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Vicki, children, and the entire Kennedy family.”

- Former U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001-2009) and IOP Senior Advisory Committee member Elaine L. Chao