In his 1968 Commencement speech, Iran's shah proposed a Universal Welfare Legion

Unruffled by protesters, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi suggested a way to remove the "roots of the curses that afflict humanity" in his 1968 speech.

Mohammed Reza Pahlavi

Mohammed Reza Pahlavi

The shah of Iran addressed alumni and new graduates on Commencement afternoon in 1968, proposing an “international counterpart of the Peace Corps” in the name of entering “a holy struggle for rendering real service to humanity.” As he began his speech, a group of student protesters marched down a center aisle carrying banners emblazoned “No degree for a dictator.” Routed by ushers, they continued their demonstration, alongside Iranian students, outside the Yard.

Read excerpts from his speech in this PDF from the July 1, 1968 issue of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin.

Most popular

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

The two birds will be on display at Harvard this summer.

Harvard Alumni Win Two 2026 Nobel Prizes

Karl Deisseroth revolutionized neuroscience. Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has adjudicated cases in international courts concerning genocide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.

A man in a suit speaks at a podium.

David Battat promotes alumni engagement.