Nieman Curator’s Gift Promotes Freedom of Expression

With an award-winning journalism career spanning more than 50 years, Bob Giles NIE '66 made free speech advocacy paramount in his work, earning him the Scripps-Howard Foundation’s Distinguished Journalism Citation for "outstanding public service in the cause of the First Amendment."

In 2000, Giles became the curator of Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Here he oversees the oldest fellowship program for midcareer journalists in the world. Giles values the perspective and perseverance that journalists from other countries bring to the program. "In many cases, our international fellows pay a dear price just to be journalists. Many of them have been in prison or beaten or been chased by their government. When the American fellows learn of these experiences, it's really an eye-opening experience for them."

When Giles speaks of the diversity and depth of the Nieman program, he also speaks from experience. In 1966, he was a fellow himself. "My Nieman year was one of the best years of my life—and for my wife Nancy, too. So we both have a deep affection for our time at Harvard."

In 2007, the Gileses established a charitable remainder trust (CRT) to support international journalists at the Nieman Foundation. This decision was a way of both giving and receiving. As Giles explains, "I feel very strongly that we all take away from Harvard an enormous amount of knowledge, experiences, friendship, and memories, and that, when the opportunity arises, we should give something back. Because of the attractive nature of the CRT—where you can make the gift and get some income back—it seemed like a wise investment."

Through their CRT, the Gileses are contributing to the longevity of international fellowships as well as their own income stream. In return for their generosity toward Harvard, they will receive quarterly income for life as well as significant tax benefits. Bob Giles is understandably proud of the global ripple effect that the Nieman Foundation often exerts on freedom of expression. "The international fellows return to their countries and can be a force for change, strengthening the ability of journalists to function in a free and independent way," says Giles.

Just as many fellows return to their homeland to share their knowledge and experience, Bob and Nancy Giles returned to Nieman to do the same. Says Bob, "We take great joy in being part of the Harvard community. Being the steward of this great program is an honor to me. It's almost like having a new fellowship every year."