Comic actress Amy Poehler to speak at Harvard College Class Day 2011

The comic actress's credits include Parks and Recreation and Saturday Night Live.

Amy Poehler

Comic actress Amy Poehler will be the Senior Class Day speaker on May 25. Currently a star of the NBC series Parks and Recreation, Poehler previously spent eight years in the cast of Saturday Night Live, where in one skit during the 2008 electoral campaign, she famously played then-Senator Hillary Clinton opposite Tina Fey's rendition of then-Governor Sarah Palin. Poehler also acted in the 2004 film comedy Mean Girls.

View a list of Class Day speakers since 1968.

You might also like

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Mychal Threets Brings ‘Library Joy’ to Harvard

The librarian and social media star gave the keynote address for Harvard Graduate School of Education’s convocation.

Affinity Celebrations Continue Outside of Harvard’s Gates

At unofficial ceremonies for minority groups and veterans, speakers comment on politics. 

Most popular

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 Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Harvard 2026 Commencement Photo Album

A gallery of photographs from the Commencement celebration for the class of 2026

Explore More From Current Issue

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

AI Hunts For Stolen Harvard Coins

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

A glowing orange sun with a star and a trailing gas cloud in space.

A Harvard Astrophysicist Explains the Bizarre Behavior of a Supergiant Star

The dimming and rapid rotation of Betelgeuse may be caused by a hidden companion.

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.