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

The Franklin Stove—A Historical Climate Change Adaptation

Historian Joyce E. Chaplin reinterprets an early era of invention, industrialization, and climate challenge

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.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

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

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

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.

Historical scene depicting a parade with soldiers and a town square in the background.

Harvard Celebrates America’s 250th

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.