Vice President Meets with Media

For Paul S. Grogan, Harvard's vice president for government, community and public affairs, yesterday's trip to Washington was a routine affair. But for the University, more frequent communication with the surrounding community and the nation's press symbolizes Harvard's increasing emphasis on telling its story.

Grogan, who went to the nation's capital with University spokesperson Joe Wrinn, wasn't staving off a public relations crisis. In fact, such trips are not unusual for press officers, Wrinn said.

But since Grogan's arrival at Harvard just over a year ago, visits to Washington, New York and Boston have become commonplace, as the University continues with its push to improve community and media relations.

Grogan assumed his post last year, coming from a nonprofit community development organization in Washington. Since assuming his post, he has increased the University's meetings with reporters.

Yesterday's event was part of the trend.

Marvin Kalb, executive director of the Washington office of the University's Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, hosted the gathering of about 10 reporters.

"Paul wanted to meet with some of the Washington press corps...out of which would come a better understanding on the part of the press of what Harvard is doing...and a better understanding on the part of one of Harvard's primary officers of what the press wants," Kalb said.

Kalb noted that Harvard, like other institutions, has had to deal with image problems in the past.

But according to Wrinn, in the past, Harvard has reacted to events more than actively promoting its side of the story.

Wrinn said the increased trips to the capital under Grogan's tenure are part of ongoing work to refocus the work of the office.

Kalb called yesterday's event "a pleasant, successful lunch." The Washington Post, CNN and Knight-Ridder were among the organizations represented.

"What I was trying to do was not to get a broad representation of the press," Kalb said. "My intent was to bring together thoughtful journalists, people whom I have known for many years."

In about a hour and a half of conversation, the group touched on topics from undergraduate financial assistance to the recent trend toward globalization and its impact upon universities. The discussion also included Grogan's own efforts at reaching out to the neighboring communities.

Kalb lauded Grogan's efforts to mend fences.

"Grogan is attempting to change that and I wish him all the luck in the world because it has to be done," Kalb said.

Grogan was unavailable for comment.