Around 7:30 in the morning, a message came into my email box. It was from the new Harvard president Drew Faust:
“I sit here in my new office in Massachusetts Hall, amid boxes to be unpacked, letters to be answered, and books to be shelved. But the computer works just fine, and so I take this moment to write. My message, for now, is very simple. I look forward to our future adventures together with immense anticipation. I can imagine no higher calling than doing all I can to serve this great university — and helping it, in turn, to serve the world. And I feel singularly fortunate to have the opportunity to do so in concert with all of you — the faculty, students, staff, and others without whom there could be no Harvard. …And — since I hope we can do so in a spirit not only of hard work but also of enjoyment — I invite you to join me today between 4:00 and 6:00 in Harvard Yard, if you’re around, for some summertime refreshments and for leisurely conversation with colleagues familiar and new. ”
It read just like an old friend’s letter, and thus hard to reject–even though I had a busy summer schedule today. In the afternoon I went there on time–the party was well organized, with blue sky, gentle breeze, lively music, comfortable sunshine and delicious icecream. The atmosphere was so cheerful that some even started to dance. A few minutes later, Drew Faust stepped on the stage, and gave a few words to thank the members who came—nothing formal, but warm. She said she appreciated the help from all of the members: computer service people, students, professors, and staff. She reminded those who had not got ice cream to have some. People gave a warm and long applauding. Then she stepped down the stage, and started chatting with people around. There was smile on her face, where anyone could see confidence and hope.
Right at that moment I realized how special this day was–the first day that Harvard had a woman president in her 371 year history–and how special it was to celebrate it in such a special way. Obviously we all loved her way.
Every once in a while, you get a gloriously sunny day, such as today. But today is probably more meaningful than just a nice day.
