Dear Harvard College Community,  

We write today with profound sadness to share that Setti Warren, Director of the Institute of Politics, has passed away. He was a beloved member of our community, and we are devastated by this heartbreaking news.  

It’s often said that the measure of a person’s life is found in their service to others –– and by that standard, Setti Warren’s life stands as an example to us all. From his history-making tenure as mayor of his beloved hometown of Newton, to his multiple White House appointments, to his leadership of FEMA’s New England operations, to his Naval service in Iraq, Setti devoted his life improving the lives of others. He was the first popularly elected African American Mayor in Massachusetts, and he was a devout Catholic who believed deeply in the social justice mission of the church and the Jesuit tradition. Whenever he saw a challenge, he ran toward it –– not away from it –– and our university and country are better for it.  

Here at Harvard, Setti served as Director of the Institute of Politics and, before that, as Executive Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In these roles, he will be remembered as a visionary and tireless leader who helped steer these institutions as they hosted prominent speakers and fellows from across the political divide, conducted groundbreaking research, and fostered debate and engagement on the most challenging issues of our time. Most of all, he will be remembered at Harvard by the many students he helped to teach, nurture, and mentor. Setti’s students loved him, and their impact –– like his –– will reverberate for generations to come.

We know this news may be difficult for many as we process this enormous loss together. Please remember that support is available across our community — for students, support is available through your House or Yard community or through counselors via the CAMHS Cares Line (617-495-2042). The Harvard Chaplains are also available to all, and Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program is available to staff 24/7 for wellbeing and support services. We encourage you to seek support and to care for yourself and one another in the days ahead.

Our hearts go out to Setti’s wife Tassy, children Abigail and John, and all those who knew and loved him. He was an extraordinary person and leader, a pillar of our community, and he will be dearly missed.

We will follow up soon with more information on how we will remember and honor Setti’s legacy as a community.

Best,  

David and Jeremy

David J. Deming
Danoff Dean of Harvard College

Jeremy M. Weinstein
Dean of Harvard Kennedy School and Don K. Price Professor of Public Policy