All facts collected by author Tatyana Scandrick from Lennoxmag.com.
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Roosevelt Weld |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York (christened in Shanghai, China) |
| Education | B.A. cum laude (Radcliffe College, 1970); J.D. (Harvard Law School, 1974); Ph.D. (Harvard, 1990) |
| Specialization | Ancient Chinese law and civilization |
| Key Roles | Harvard professor; Boston College Law School lecturer; General Counsel, U.S.-China Commission; Georgetown adjunct professor |
| Family Connections | Great-granddaughter of President Theodore Roosevelt; wife of Governor William Weld |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; likely financially stable |
Early Life & Education
From childhood, Susan Roosevelt Weld was surrounded by the Roosevelt lineage and East Asian culture. After her father died young, her mother and extended relatives reared her in Oyster Bay and Shanghai. She attended Concord Academy, the Inter-University Chinese Language Center in Taipei, and Harvard University, where she graduated with honors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Background | Daughter of Quentin Roosevelt II and Frances Blanche Webb; granddaughter of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. |
| Undergraduate | B.A. cum laude in Far Eastern Languages, Radcliffe College (1970) |
| Law Degree | J.D., Harvard Law School (1974) |
| Doctoral Work | Ph.D. in East Asian Languages & Civilizations, Harvard (1990); dissertation on Jin legal codes |
| Language Immersion | Inter-University Chinese Language Center, Taipei (1969) |
Academic & Teaching Career
Dr. Weld studies ancient China’s “warring states” legal and cultural history. Through appointments at major U.S. law schools and regular field study travels to China, she has inspired students and colleagues. Her research combines classical texts and modern legal theory to illuminate early legal systems.
| Position | Institution/Program | Years | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor of East Asian Civilizations | Harvard University | 1990s | Ancient Chinese law and civilization |
| Lecturer, Chinese & Japanese Law | Boston College Law School | Late 1990s | Comparative East Asian legal traditions |
| Adjunct Professor & Executive Director | Law Asia Leadership, Georgetown University Law Center | 2010s–Present | Legal education and leadership development in Asia |
| Field Researcher | Various archaeological sites, China | Annual trips | Examination of ancient legal tablets and artifacts |
Government & Leadership Roles
Susan Weld has informed U.S. China policy outside academia. As General Counsel of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, she analyzed human rights and bilateral relations law. Through charitable education trusts that promote cross-cultural understanding, she advises.
| Role | Organization | Tenure | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Counsel | Congressional-Executive Commission on China | 2001–2005 | Legal oversight; human rights reporting |
| Advisory Council Member | U.S.-China Education Trust | 2005–Present | Guidance on educational exchange programs |
| Consultant | U.S. State Department & NGOs | Intermittent | Policy analysis; cultural exchange facilitation |
Financial Status
Susan Roosevelt Weld’s work and family heritage suggest financial security, although her net worth is unknown. Due to privacy concerns, she has not declared personal holdings. Her longtime academic positions and marriage to a former governor guarantee her finances.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth Disclosure | Not publicly available |
| Income Sources | Academic salaries; consulting and advisory stipends; potential family trust distributions |
| Financial Profile | Stable and comfortable, though precise figures are undisclosed |
Notable Family Connections
Public service and national significance run in Susan Roosevelt Weld’s family. Her Roosevelt ancestors dominated American politics and conservation, and her marriage to William Weld expands her network into governance and law. Her authoritative historical and policy views come from this legacy.
| Name | Relation | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Theodore Roosevelt | Great-grandfather | 26th U.S. President; conservation pioneer; author |
| Theodore Roosevelt Jr. | Grandfather | WWII brigadier general; Medal of Honor recipient; colonial governor |
| Quentin Roosevelt II | Father | Aviation executive; vice president of China National Aviation Corp. (d. 1948) |
| William Weld | Husband | Governor of Massachusetts (1991–1997); U.S. Attorney; author |
| Kermit Roosevelt | Grand-uncle | Explorer; intelligence officer; WWI veteran |
| Quentin Roosevelt | Grand-uncle | WWI fighter pilot (killed in action, 1918) |
| Archibald Roosevelt | Grand-uncle | Businessman; decorated soldier in both world wars |
| Alice Roosevelt Longworth | Grand-aunt | Influential socialite; political commentator |
| Ethel Roosevelt Derby | Grand-aunt | Philanthropist; advocate for social causes |
FAQ
Who is Susan Roosevelt Weld?
Former Massachusetts First Lady Susan Roosevelt Weld is an ancient Chinese law expert and legal historian.
What did she study?
Finished her B.A. J.D. in Far Eastern languages. Harvard Law School and East Asian Languages and Civilizations Ph.D.
What Georgetown University positions has she held?
She is a Georgetown Law Center adjunct professor and Law Asia Leadership Executive Director.
Is her net worth publicly known?
Her wealth is unknown.
Who are her most famous relatives?
Famous relatives include President Theodore Roosevelt and her husband, former Massachusetts Governor William Weld.
