Posted on December 4, 2007

Kennedy School Receives $20 Million Bequest to Advance Social Justice

Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government has announced a $20 million bequest from Alan L. Gleitsman, founder and former president of the Gleitsman Foundation, that will endow a new program at the school's Center for Public Leadership.

The gift will be used to establish the Gleitsman Program in Leadership for Social Change, which will work to prepare students to become social entrepreneurs and activists. Funds generated by the gift will support student fellowships, visiting scholars, research, and curriculum development. In addition, the program will administer the International and Citizen Activist Awards, which are given annually to individuals who confront, challenge, and correct social problems around the world.

"We are tremendously grateful to Alan Gleitsman and the Gleitsman Foundation for this generous gift in support of the school's leadership initiatives," said Kennedy School dean David T. Ellwood. "With its commitment to global leadership for social change, this gift is an investment for a better tomorrow that could affect many lives."