Photographs from Commencement Week

A gallery of Jim Harrison’s images from the unique Commencement celebrations for the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022

Photograph by Jim Harrison

On assignment for Harvard Magazine, Jim Harrison has captured the emotions, traditions, and historic moments at Harvard Commencements for decades. In this most unusual of Commencement years, celebrating the class of 2022 with an in-person graduation, and the classes of 2020 and 2021 with a deferred recognition of their achievements after two years of online ceremonies, we are proud to present some of his favorite images from this week. Access our complete and continuing coverage here and see our Commencement Day coverage here and our Commencement Class of 2020 and 2021 coverage here.  

~The Editors

 Phi Beta Kappa   |   Baccalaureate   |  ROTC   |   Class Day       
Commencement 2022   |   Commencement 2020 & 2021

Phi Beta Kappa, Tuesday May 24, 2002 

 
 

Baccalaureate, Tuesday May 24, 2022

 

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony  Wednesday, May 25





 

Class Day, Wednesday, May 25






 

Commencement Day, Thursday, May 26







 

Commencement 2020 and 2021, Sunday, May 29















 
Related topics

You might also like

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim to Speak at Harvard in June

The American Navy SEAL, born to immigrants, is a doctor and a space traveler.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

Harvard Commencement 2025

Harvard passes a test of its values, yet challenges loom.

Most popular

Harvard Discloses Top Earners’ Compensation

The University files its annual report for tax-exempt organizations.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

AI Outperforms Doctors in Emergency Room Tasks, New Harvard Study Shows

Researchers say the technology could help physicians with triage, diagnosis.

Explore More From Current Issue

Woman in historical dress standing in front of green foliage, smiling brightly.

This Harvard Graduate Brings Women of the Revolution to Life

Historical reenactor Lauren Shear reveals tricks of the trade for playing Tory loyalists, Revolutionary poets, and more.

Historical battle scene with soldiers in red and blue uniforms, flags waving, chaotic action.

The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution

Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”

Brick archway with a sandy base, surrounded by wooden planks and boxes in a dim space.

How the American Revolution Freed a Future Abolitionist

Darby Vassall, an enslaved child freed after the Battle of Bunker Hill, dedicated his life to fighting for liberty.