Baccalaureate Address

Derek Bok, Harvard University President Emeritus Kennedy School. Harvard president Derek Bok salutes the graduating seniors and reminds them that pursuing material values will not bring happiness; one needs ethical content in one’s work...

Derek Bok, Harvard University President Emeritus Kennedy School. Harvard president Derek Bok salutes the graduating seniors and reminds them that pursuing material values will not bring happiness; one needs ethical content in one’s work.

Listen to the live audio recording.

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