Commencement

Coverage of Harvard’s annual graduation ceremonies, including speeches, profiles, and traditions.

Harvard Commencement 2025

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

by Jonathan Shaw

Jeremy Lin and Elizabeth Warren Highlight Class Days

A former NBA star and a U.S. Senator speak to new graduates.

by Juliet Isselbacher , Jacob Sweet , Jean Martin

Centennial Medalists 2021

Four alumni of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are honored.

by Jonathan Shaw

The Baccalaureate—and Proliferating Graduations 2021

President Bacow on reconnecting with other people, and new First-Gen and LGBTQ+ graduation celebrations join the roster

by John S. Rosenberg

President Bacow's Harvard Baccalaureate Remarks

“This has not been a typical year”—but a tradition resumes, virtually.

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Jeremy Lin to Speak at Harvard College Class Day

The former NBA star headlines the undergraduates’ virtual celebration May 26.

by John S. Rosenberg

Kevin Young Addresses Harvard Alumni Association

The acclaimed poet and director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will speak at the annual meeting on June 4—and other graduation-week speakers are announced. 

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard Alumni Medalists Announced

Alumni Association announces Harvard Medalists.  

by Nell Porter-Brown

Harvard’s COVID-19 spring and fall outlook

The spring semester, coronavirus KO’s in-person Commencement, and fall prospects

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard Commencement Virtual Again Ruth Simmons Speaker

The 370th degree-conferral will be online for the second consecutive year—with Ruth Simmons as guest speaker.

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard reunions, alumni meeting to be virtual

The alumni association announces the inevitable.

by John S. Rosenberg