Video: tenor and honorand Placido Domingo serenades Ruth Bader Ginsburg

At Commencement, tenor and honorand Plácido Domingo surprises Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an opera fan, during the conferral of her degree.

Plácido Domingo and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

At the Morning Exercises, Harvard President Drew Faust conferred an honorary degree on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, L ’59. Fellow honorand Plácido Domingo sang the end of the conferral to her. View a video here:

Read about all this year's honorary degree recipients, or browse our complete coverage of Commencement 2011.

You might also like

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Mychal Threets Brings ‘Library Joy’ to Harvard

The librarian and social media star gave the keynote address for Harvard Graduate School of Education’s convocation.

Affinity Celebrations Continue Outside of Harvard’s Gates

At unofficial ceremonies for minority groups and veterans, speakers comment on politics. 

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Harvard 2026 Commencement Photo Album

A gallery of photographs from the Commencement celebration for the class of 2026

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.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

A colorful hummingbird hovering by vibrant flowers.

Discoveries

Short takes on cutting-edge research