Harvard Kennedy School Dean David T. Ellwood's Letter to Alumni

June 4, 2009
by David T. Ellwood

Dear Alumni,

With great excitement, Harvard Kennedy School conferred degrees today on 537 students, hailing from 73 countries. It was a splendid occasion, and we take great pride in knowing that these emerging leaders will now join you in carrying forth the Kennedy School mission of public service.

The Class of 2009 includes current and former diplomats, government officials, military officers, and public policy advocates. Graduates include a former NASA astronaut, a senior advisor to the president of Israel, a civil court judge from Jamaica, and a former director of the Los Angeles Opera. They will take their Kennedy School education to countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Korea, Kosovo, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

While these are turbulent times, I remain heartened and optimistic about the future because I know that HKS alumni are on the case. You are the imaginative, skillful, and principled leaders the world needs right now. Thank you for accepting this noble responsibility and for applying your time and talents to advancing the public interest.

As I said to today’s graduating class, hold fast to the friendships you have made here, keep in touch with your professors, and nurture your connections to the Kennedy School. You are an important part of this community for life, and with your help we will work hard to keep you connected with one another and with the School.

Sincerely,

David T. Ellwood

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David T. Ellwood

"While these are turbulent times, I remain heartened and optimistic about the future because I know that HKS alumni are on the case. You are the imaginative, skillful, and principled leaders the world needs right now." - David T. Ellwood