News
Amid Boston Overdose Crisis, a Pair of Harvard Students Are Bringing Narcan to the Red Line
News
At First Cambridge City Council Election Forum, Candidates Clash Over Building Emissions
News
Harvard’s Updated Sustainability Plan Garners Optimistic Responses from Student Climate Activists
News
‘Sunroof’ Singer Nicky Youre Lights Up Harvard Yard at Crimson Jam
News
‘The Architect of the Whole Plan’: Harvard Law Graduate Ken Chesebro’s Path to Jan. 6
Dr. Henry Kemble Oliver '52, who, unknown to the public, had endowed the Department of Hygiene at the University with several hundred thousand dollars a few years ago, died last Saturday, October 25. Dr. Oliver had all through his life been very interested in matters of student health at this University. This interest led him in his later years to give his entire fortune to the establishment of the chair of Hygiene, now occupied by Dr. Roger Irving Lee '02.
In making this gift, Dr. Oliver made only two stipulations: first, that the University should pay him during his lifetime such sums as his modest wants required; second, that the name of the donor of the gift should be kept secret during his lifetime.
Dr. Oliver was born in Salem, Mass., in 1829. He graduated from the University in 1852 and from the Medical School in 1856. After leaving Cambridge he went abroad for a few years to complete his study of medicine, and then returned to take a position in the Massachusetts General Hospital. He left the hospital to take up private practice a few years later. In 1881 he gave up an extensive private practice on account of some trouble with his eyes, which later rendered him totally blind.
All during his life Dr. Oliver has shown great interest in student hygiene. His intention in establishing a chair of hygiene here was to bring the undergraduate body in closer contact with sound medical advice, both in times of illness and in times of good health.
Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.