A Very Brief History of A Very Very Secretive Search

May 1990

After nearly 20 years in office, President Derek C. Bok announces shortly before Commencement, that he plans to step down in June of 1991.

July

The nine-member search committee is named Acting Dean of the Faculty Henry Rosovsky, who is on the committee, announces that he is not a candidate for the job.

August

The committee begins to compile a list of candidates and to interview Harvard faculty and administrators about what qualities they would like the; next president to have.

September

The search committee finishes compiling a long list of over 200 names, but says new names may be added to the list as the process goes on.

October

The search committee has pared the list down to between 35 and 50 names. After repeated delays, students receive letters from the committee asking them to write with any comments they may have regarding the search.

November

At a meeting with representatives of the Undergraduate Council, search committee members rebuff a request for increased student input in the decision-making process.

December

Search committee members present a list of 18 to 25 candidates to the Board of overseers for discussion.

January, 1991

Colman M. Mockler '52 dies unexpectedly, leaving a vacancy on the committee that administrators say will not be filled before the end of the search.

February

Search committee members present a short list of eight candidates to the Board of Overseers for discussion. Sources say that three candidates--Martin S. Feldstein '61, Philip Leder '56, and Neil L. Rudenstine--have emerged as the frontrunners, but that the committee may have become dead-locked over its final selection.

Sources say Gerhard Casper is also a strong contender.

The Boston Globe reports that a final decision is expected within days.

March

Committee members continue to hold clandestine meetings with candidates.

National media reports suggest that Rosovsky is still a top candidate, despite his denials.

The committee reaches a consensus on a final candidate. Speculation zeroes in on Rudenstine. A special meeting of the Board of Overseers is called.

April

The Board of Overseers is scheduled to meet and is expected to vote to approve the committee's nomination.