Class Day speaker Joshua Preven '91 tells how God created Harvard

From a cappella music to tenure, the real story as told by Joshua Preven ’91

Before he earned a master of philosophy degree from Cambridge University on a Fulbright scholarship, before he sampled an acting career with roles on Judging Amy, Six Feet Under, and other television shows, Joshua Preven ’91 delivered the Harvard Oration during the Class Day exercises for his fellow seniors. His revelations brought down the house.

Read the full text of his speech in this PDF from the July-August 1991 issue.

Most popular

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Harvard Commencement 2018

Speakers, ceremonies, and celebrations

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Chicken (Super-Savory Grated Tofu) Recipe

Nisha Vora's super savory grated tofu recipe

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

Two bare-knuckle boxers fight in a ring, surrounded by onlookers in 19th-century attire.

Arts & Culture

England’s First Sports Megastar

A collection of illustrations capture a boxer’s triumphant moment. 

Historic church steeple framed by bare tree branches against a clear sky.

University News

Harvard’s Financial Challenges Lead to Difficult Choices

The University faces the consequences of the Trump administration—and its own bureaucracy

An axolotl with a pale body and pink frilly gills, looking directly at the viewer.

Research

Regenerative Biology’s Baby Steps

What axolotl salamanders could teach us about limb regrowth