David Gergen, a prominent figure in American politics, has passed away at the age of 83. Known for his extensive experience and influence, Gergen left a significant mark through his work with four U.S. presidents and his contributions to both government and academia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gergen served in various capacities, including as a speechwriter and communications director. He was part of the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, offering his expertise and counsel at pivotal moments in American history.
Jeremy Weinstein, Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, where Gergen had a lasting impact, confirmed that Gergen succumbed to a prolonged illness. Hannah Riley Bowles, a former co-director of the school’s Center for Public Leadership, praised Gergen for his dedication to public service, stating, “David was a principled leader of unmatched character, integrity and kindness, who chose to see goodness in every person he met.”
David Gergen’s career was characterized by a commitment to bipartisanship and collaboration, values he upheld since his early days in the White House during the Nixon administration. His influence extended beyond the political realm, as he became a respected media personality and senior political analyst for CNN.
Former Vice President Al Gore remarked on social media, “Of the countless ways that David Gergen contributed to our great country, what I will remember him for most was his kindness to everyone he worked with, his sound judgment, and his devotion to doing good in the world.”
Gergen’s academic journey began in North Carolina, where he was born. He graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School and received 27 honorary degrees throughout his lifetime. He founded the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he served as professor of public service emeritus until his passing.
In his 2022 book, Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made, Gergen reflected on leadership, stating, “Our greatest leaders have emerged from both good times and, more often, challenging ones. … The very finest among them make the difficult calls, that can ultimately alter the course of history.”
A private burial is planned for Mount Auburn Cemetery on Monday, according to Mark Douglass, director of Douglass Funeral Home in Lexington, Massachusetts. A larger memorial service will be held at Harvard in the weeks to come.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
