One contact led to a major embarrassment for the school last spring, when Allison's decision to grant Attorney General Edwin Meese III a medal for "distinguished public service" generated widespread criticism from the Harvard community. Many scholars and alumni questioned whether the school could enjoy government contacts and still maintain its academic objectivity and integrity.

Meese demonstrated "real interest in the competence of political appointees" by helping to develop the school's seminar for sub-cabinet appointees, Allison told the Crimson in a March interview, explaining why he selected the attorney general for the award, minted for the school's 50th anniversary.

Allison has since termed the decision "a mistake," but he strongly defends the school's extensive contacts with government. "A professional school must retain strong connections with the policy community, while recognizing that such relationships pose risks. I believe we have successfully avoided any actual subversion," he says.

By most accounts, the Kennedy School's reputation in government circles is highly favorable.

The school is "well-known and becoming better known," says Maj. Gen. Norman G. Delbridge. He says his participation in an executive seminar allowed him to meet prominent Washington contacts such as the chief staff member of the House Armed Services Committee.

A degree from the Kennedy School is very respected in Washington and getting more respected all the time," says Jeremy Rosner (MPP '82), former chief speechwriter for Sen. Gary Hart (D-Colo.).

A Kennedy School network is rapidly expanding on Capitol Hill, says Dole's assistant, Burke. "Like any other network you tend to call people you know when you need advice or recommendations," she says, adding that new graduates often call her for "jobhunting advice."

Much of the historical information in this article came from "The John F. Kennedy School of Government: The First Fifty Years."