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

A Play for the Ages Propels Crimson Football to Victory

Dick Friedman on Harvard’s 20-17 win over Colgate

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Harvard Couple Aim to Cure Prion Diseases

The stakes are high for this husband and wife: one of them will die if they don’t find a cure.

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

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

Research

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

A flooded office scene with computers, a woman working, and a pink sunset backdrop.

Undergraduate Column

A College student’s attempt to recapture the romanticism of the workplace.

A smiling William C. Kirby in a suit with glasses stands outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

Editor’s Letter

The president of Harvard Magazine’s Board of Directors will step down in September.