On behalf of the CPL Alumni Community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Anne Gergen and her family on the passing of her beloved husband—and our treasured colleague—David Gergen.
Much has already been said about David’s life at the epicenter of American power, and more eloquently still in the pages of David's own books. But for those of us privileged to walk the halls of the Center for Public Leadership, David's greatest legacy may not be in the counsel he gave to presidents, but in the time, wisdom, and heart he gave to us.
David believed passionately in the worthiness and urgency of public service. He was a statesman who never lost his faith in the promise of the next generation. With a clarity that could cut through the fog of political spin, he reminded us that the stakes of leadership were high, but so too was the capacity of young leaders to meet the moment. His realism was bracing, but his hope was infectious.
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.
His mentorship lives on in the thousands of fellows who walked through CPL’s doors and left believing, a little more confidently, that they too could help change the world.
Nathan Bruschi & Alen Amini
Co-Chairs, Alumni Council
Harvard Center for Public Leadership