Statement from Center for Public Leadership Director Anthony Foxx
A prolific writer, deep thinker, effective communicator, and astute political advisor, for all his incredible political achievements, David’s deepest legacy is not in speeches written or policy victories won, but in people: the people David loved, mentored, and supported, the hearts he touched with fire. The Center for Public Leadership Community joins those across the United States and around the world in mourning the passing of David R. Gergen, a truly exceptional public leader. As a founder of our center, David devoted decades of his life to inspiring those who wished to dedicate their lives to public service – mentoring, teaching, and befriending our students, faculty and alike. David’s vision of public service became the heart and soul of CPL and created pathways to leadership for over 1,000 CPL alumni. In the days and years ahead, we will do our best to follow his example as we work to empower future generations of leaders.
Photo highlights of David Gergen's rich life of public service
Tributes to David Gergen
"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to David, one of the few who makes it his life's work to serve our country and his fellow citizens. Service comes in many forms, and many of us who consider David a friend and mentor serve in uniform. But his life shows us that anyone can serve and that service can save us. Our country's brightest days can still be ahead of us through service to one another. He impresses upon us a lifetime devoted to this cause. And we, all of us who know him, are better people for knowing him. Thank you, David."
– Rye Barcott, MPA/MBA 2009, CPL Leadership Council member, former Reynolds Foundation Fellow and George Leadership Fellow
David and Anne Gergen at a Center for Public Leadership 2015 Reunion with mentees Marine Corps veterans (L-R) Rye Barcott, Jake Cusack, and Seth Moulton.
"David fervently believed in the power and promise of service, investing in countless leaders to fulfill their potential and improve the lives of others. Through the Center for Public Leadership and now the Gergen Fellowship, he created a vibrant community for aspiring leaders and a legacy filled with purpose that will continue to inspire us.
David had a “heart full of grace and a soul generated by love” that propelled a remarkable life of service and impact. We will miss him deeply but his warm smile, kindred spirit, and constant encouragement will remain with us always."
– Graves Tompkins, MPA/MBA 2008, CPL Leadership Council member and former George Fellow
David Gergen speaking at CPL Alumni Reunion
"At CPL, David did what few public figures ever manage: he made idealism feel practical. Whether offering a story that somehow managed to be hilarious, humbling, and history-making all at once, or spotting a spark of potential in a student long before they saw it in themselves, he created a home for public leadership—and, with Anne at his side, made sure all of us felt welcome in it."
– Nathan Bruschi & Alen Amini
Co-Chairs, Alumni Council
Harvard Center for Public Leadership
David Gergen in the classroom.
Photographs by Susan Young, Tom Fitzsimmons, and Martha Stewart.