Dec. 13, 1964 - The Kennedy family announced today the selection of an architect for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library at Harvard University. At a news conference at the Hotel Pierre, Senator‐elect Robert F. Kennedy named I.M. Pei (right), Canton‐born New York architect, as the designer of the library and, in conjunction with it, of a projected institute for advanced political studies.
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, widow of the President, was present but did not say anything.
Nathan M. Pusey, president of Harvard University, outlined plans for the Kennedy Institute, which will be connected with the Graduate School of Public Administration. When negotiations are complete, Richard E. Neustadt, professor of government at Columbia University, is to be the institute’s director.
Eugene Black, in charge of fundraising for the library, announced that more than the original goal of $10 million had already been raised. But he said fundraising would continue, in order to provide an endowment for the institute.
“I have never had a job as easy as this one,” said Black, former president of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
“Contributions have come in from all over the country and the world, ranging from a few cents to a quarter of a million dollars. Over four million Americans have given something.”
He listed $1 million from the Kennedy family and $2 million from labor groups.
Arrangements are being made between trustees of the Kennedy Library and Harvard officials to work out the form and organization of the institute and define its relationship to the university.
“No one can describe the institute before it gets started,” Dr. Pusey said. “But this will be a new kind of institution in American life — a university setting to provide a meeting place between the academic world and the world of public affairs.”
“The idea of the institute is to stimulate interest in politics,” Robert Kennedy added.
Quoting Lord Tweedsmuir’s definition of politics as “the most exciting of adventures,” he explained that the purpose would be “to make young people interested in politics and government and the welfare of the country.”
“This is what President Kennedy stood for, and this is what the institute will stand for,” he paid.
Commenting on the selection of Mr. Pei as architect for the project, Kennedy said: “We all feel that he will be able to capture the spirit and style that we wish to express in this building.”
“Good luck, Mr. Pei,” Kennedy concluded, with an encouraging grin.
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