Derek Bok

TL;DR -- As we look at the twenty-fifth President of Harvard, we take note that the end is nearing. At that time, we will begin filling in our research remarks since this exercise is very much associated with four hundred years of history that encompasses the totality of humanity, even if that impact was indirect. 

--

With this post (Derek Bok, #25), we are nearing the end of a series that started in August of 2021 with a look at James Bryant Conant. There are only two to go as we leave current situations until a later date. With only two to go (#26, Neil Rudenstine; #27, Lawrence Summers), we can start a continuing effort of analysis across time and space with respect to New England's (and Massachusetts') long arm. 

Derek served twice in the Head of Harvard role (1971-91, 2006-07). His second term was interim, prior to that of Drew Gilpin Faust. The author of several books, he had a "concern for the quality of pedagogy employed at research universities like Harvard and its peers around the world" which continued throughout his life and work.  

We will follow up with more research and post more about Derek's life, doing so only summarily, since there is plenty of contemporary material at hand given the gift of the IP (protocol) which occurred after Derek's term.       

• History of Harvard (ours);
• History of the Presidency (Harvard); 
• graduates of Harvard (list initiated by Hoar); and 
• Harvard in the long history of the U.S. 

The length of Derek's term will be of interest as is the breadth of familial connections, some of which is of U.S. lineage, due to the many factors that will come into play with respect to our 400-year focus. 

Notes:

1. Derek was Dean of the Harvard Law School. ...

2. Derek " is the son of Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice Curtis Bok and Margaret Plummer Bok;[11] the grandson of Dutch-born Ladies' Home Journal editor Edward Bok and Mary Louise Curtis, founder of the Curtis Institute of Music; the cousin of prominent Maine folklorist Gordon Bok; and the great-grandson of Cyrus H. K. Curtis, founder of the Curtis Publishing Company, publisher of national magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post."

3.  ...

Remarks: Modified: 10/31/2022

10/31/2022 --