Commencement

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

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week

2018

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will speak at Harvard Class Day

The decorated author is best known for her novels and feminist writing. 

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

FAS dean to step down and more

FAS dean to step down, John Lewis to speak at Commencement, Hillary Clinton at Radcliffe, and more

Harvard Commencement 2018

Speakers, ceremonies, and celebrations

Hillary Clinton to receive Radcliffe Medal

The ceremony will take place during Commencement week on May 25.

by Oset Babür

Harvard Commencement speaker John Lewis

A civil-rights leader returns to campus.  

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard Commencement exercises

Guidelines for the gala 2018

2017

Harvard Commencement 2017 Morning Exercises

Harvard’s wet 366th Commencement proved the occasion for thoughtful conversations about social media, inclusion, and the political landscape.

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard honorary-degree recipients of 2017

The 2017 honorands 

Joe Biden, Drew Faust, Mark Zuckerberg Harvard Commencement

Words of wisdom from Joe Biden, Drew Faust, Mark Zuckerberg, student speakers, and more