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Passing the Torch

Christopher Queen

With this issue of the Harvard University Extension School Alumni Bulletin, we mark the retirement of Dean John F. Adams, whose 33 years of service overlap the history of our Alumni Association, and whose interest in every student, faculty member, and graduate was communicated by his unfailing kindness and patience. "My most satisfying assignment," said Dean Adams, "has been the Alumni Association; I have attended every Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA) Banquet and most social gatherings since 1966." In a memoir, Dean Adams describes some of the remarkable teachers and students he has known over the years. John and Mary Adams have moved to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where their son, Samuel Adams, ALB '95, operates the General Store and where the neighborhood moose looks in from time to time to make sure everybody is okay. Enjoy your Harvard rocker, John--you earned it!

Christopher Queen

As the new Director of Alumni Relations, I am proud to accept the torch from Dean Adams and to serve the rapidly expanding circle of Harvard Extension alumni--now nearly 6,000 strong in more than 85 countries across the globe. Fortunately, I am not new to the Extension School. As Dean of Students and Lecturer on Religion since 1989, I knew many of today's alumni during their years as students. I also worked with Dean Adams to bring new energy and direction to the HEAA, and I am delighted to see recent graduates become active in all aspects of the Alumni Association--program development, scholarship fundraising, and faithful attendance at business meetings and social functions throughout the year.

I shall not be toiling alone. Erin O'Connor, a dancer and choreographer by training, brings 6 years of Harvard administrative experience to her role as staff assistant for student and alumni affairs. Erin and I will work closely with HEAA officers and committee chairpersons to choreograph a busy calendar for the coming year, including panel discussions, a Faculty Club dinner, slide lecture, harbor cruise, and the 33rd annual Alumni Banquet. We also will join HEAA members to advance the recently announced Shinagel Scholarship Fund Drive. As the "donor lists" attest, alumni and friends of the Extension School already have responded to honor Michael Shinagel for his 25 extraordinary years as Harvard's Dean of Continuing Education and University Extension, while raising needed scholarship reserves for deserving degree and certificate candidates.

Once again, you will find the Alumni Bulletin brimming with thoughtful reflections, analysis, and predictions from commencement, lecture and banquet speakers, faculty and administrators, and celebrated alumni--along with scenes from the life of our academic community. We hope you will encounter images and ideas that help you recall the excitement, not only of a Harvard Commencement, but also of the years you spent in the company of some of the world's best thinkers, dreamers, artists, and lifelong learners.

We hope to see you and hear from you in the coming months.

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