With the death of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy on August 25, college students have lost one of their greatest champions. A man of great privilege, Senator Kennedy understood the importance of giving back. He did it in so many ways, but most important to us was his advocacy for students and helping them get a high-quality education, and his commitment to providing student financial assistance where appropriate. Some see Senator Kennedy as an ultra-liberal to be used as the icon of evil. In truth, while he had very strongly held convictions, he was at heart a great legislator. He wanted laws to pass that would make a difference in peoples lives. Without denying his convictions, he found compromise as the first order of good Senatorial work. He often gave the credit to his colleagues, listing them as the primary sponsor of bills that were his idea. As Harry Truman said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
There was nothing like Senator Kennedy’s rallying cries. He understood the power of motivation. Once I heard him at a gathering of education lobbyists in D.C. We were in a small hotel meeting room, packed beyond capacity, I’m sure. (Everyone showed up when Kennedy was coming—and when he told you he would attend he came, unlike many of his colleagues.) By the time he was through you felt like you were going to fight the battle at Agincourt.
It will be hard to replace the education legacy of both Senators Pell and Kennedy. Let’s hope there are some Senators trying.
