President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Kennedy School Class Day address

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, M.P.A. '71, of Liberia, Africa's first elected female president, delivers the 2008 graduation address at the Harvard Kennedy School...

Listen to the live audio recording.

1. Kennedy School dean David Ellwood introduces President Sirleaf.

2. Graduation Address

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, M.P.A. '71, of Liberia, Africa's first elected female president, delivers the 2008 graduation address at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Most popular

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Faculty Approve a Cap on A Grades

Reforms to reduce grade inflation will take effect in the fall of 2027.

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

Mercy Otis Warren in period attire writes at a desk by candlelight, surrounded by books.

Harvard Celebrates America’s 250th

The Woman Who Penned the Case for War

Mercy Otis Warren’s poetry and plays incited the Patriot movement.

A man holding a revolver and lantern, wearing a hat and coat, appears to be walking cautiously.

University News

Scoundrels, Then and Now

On con men, Mark Twain, and the powers of the Harvard name

Four stylized magnifying glasses arranged in a gradient background with abstract patterns.

AI

AI Hunts For Stolen Harvard Coins

A museum curator and a computer scientist track down ancient coins taken in a legendary heist.