Photographs from Commencement Week 2023

A gallery of Jim Harrison’s images from the unique Commencement celebration for the class of 2023

Photograph by Jim Harrison

On assignment for Harvard Magazine, Jim Harrison has captured the emotions, traditions, and historic moments at Harvard Commencements for decades. During this 372nd Commencement—a return to near-normalcy, after the pandemic years—the large cohort of 2023 graduates (augmented by those who deferred admission or took leaves during the prior period of social isolation and online instruction) celebrated with family and friends, even as the University prepared for a transition from President Larry Bacow to his successor-elect, Claudine Gay. We’re delighted once again to present some of Jim’s favorite images from the week. Access our complete and continuing coverage here.

~The Editors
 

 Phi Beta Kappa   |   Baccalaureate   |  ROTC   |   Class Day   |   Commencement 2023  | Alumni Day

Phi Beta Kappa, Tuesday May 23, 2023 

 
 

Baccalaureate, Tuesday May 23, 2023

 

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony  Wednesday, May 24, 2023 








 

Class Day, Wednesday, May 24, 2023







 

Commencement Day, Thursday, May 25, 2023








Alumni Day, June 2, 2023









Related topics

You might also like

Conan O’Brien headlines a star-studded cast

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks on Alumni Day.

Harvard Honors Its Oldest Alumni

At 97 and 101, Linda Cabot Black ’51 and William “Bill” Dubey ’46 led the way on Alumni Day.

Most popular

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

Harvard’s Class of 2029 Reflects Shifts in Racial Makeup After Affirmative Action Ends

International students continue to enroll amid political uncertainty; mandatory SATs lead to a drop in applications.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Black and white photo of Joseph Murray in a white lab coat sitting in an office.

Nobel Prize recipient Joseph E. Murray dedicated much of his career to organ transplant surgery.

Five individuals are posed in a monochrome outdoor setting near a cinderblock building, some standing, some seated.

Photographer and writer Morgan Smith chronicles life beyond the violence in Ciudad Juárez and other Mexican towns.

Vibrant urban scene at dusk featuring a mural on a building and illuminated structures.

The planned opening of the Goel Center in Allston for performances will be in spring of 2027.