Commencement 2019

Former New York City mayor and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg invokes integrity in the service of country and capitalism during Class Day at Harvard’s 368th Commencement.

Commencement at Harvard is a day of formal ceremonies and poignant moments. Included are snippets of the latter, along with some context from celebrations past.

From the beginning of last summer to Commencement Day, Harvard University has been in constant motion. Here is a selection of events and milestones marking the academic year.

Cymbalist Latonya Wright has played 22 consecutive Commencements. This year will be her 23rd.

Christine Santiago couples her background in an economically struggling household with her medical and public health training to plot a course that aims to help others.

Harvard University awarded a total of 6,665 degrees and certificates over the 2018–19 academic year.

Gabby Thomas, who concentrated in neurobiology, has a contract with New Balance and is aiming to compete in the 2020 Olympics.

Harvard University will award nine honorary degrees at its 368th Commencement on May 30.

Former Vice President Al Gore warned about threats to American democracy and issued a call to arms to Harvard’s graduating seniors during a pre-graduation Class Day speech.

Adele Woodmansee arrived self-sufficient and leaves prepared to share her talents — from bow to biology — and grow even more.

Seven graduating Harvard seniors received their first military assignments during a joint ROTC commissioning service in Tercentenary Theatre.

Simi Shah has explored and showcased South Asian American pioneers and is working to add to the accomplishments of her cultural heritage.

The Gazette speaks with members of Harvard’s Generation Merkel in advance of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s commencement speech.

Mary Salcedo, who successfully defended her thesis on insect wings, talks about her love of bugs and mentoring and her strategy for a successful doctoral program at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences presented the Centennial Medal to five distinguished alumni — Carroll Bogert, Lael Branard, Roger Ferguson, Jane Lubchenco, and Joseph Nye — who have made fundamental and lasting contributions to knowledge, to their disciplines, to their colleagues, and to society.

Bells around Harvard and the City of Cambridge will ring for 15 minutes starting at the 11:45 conclusion of the University’s 368th Commencement.

Luke Martinez brought people together around a personal passion: music.

Harvard President Larry Bacow addressed the Class of 2019 during the Baccalaureate Service, an annual tradition leading to Thursday’s Commencement. He suggests they live their lives to the fullest.

Eric Lander, president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and poet Dan Chiasson, poetry critic for The New Yorker and a professor at Wellesley College, spoke before honored students and faculty at the 229th Phi Beta Kappa literary exercises at Sanders Theatre on Tuesday morning.

In advance of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s arrival at Harvard as its Commencement speaker, those who know her describe her rise to global prominence.

Students will share their memories of Harvard, lessons learned, and hopes for the future in three traditional addresses on Commencement Day.

After Harvard wait-listed him, Dylan Wile had made plans to attend another university. A call from an admissions officer changed everything.

Air Force major and new parent Bradley DeWees completed his doctorate at Harvard’s Kennedy School in just three years.

Cynthia Luo, who’s concentrating in both molecular and cellular biology and English, was inspired by her time in Uganda to become a physician and improve global health.

Harvard’s Liz Roux could look back on sorrow and tragedy, but she runs looking ahead, at adventures and opportunities and people to encourage her.

Truman Burrage is a stellar graduating senior, an Oklahoma native, and a member of the Choctaw Nation who has been admitted to Harvard Law School.

In an interview, Harvard President Larry Bacow reflects on his first year in office, the importance of truth as a principle, his commitment to public service, and what he’s most looking forward to during his first Commencement as the University’s leader.

Faraaz Mahomed, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is working to protect the rights of those using mental health systems throughout the world.

Wonik Son has examined post-World War II humanitarian images for what they say about injury and disability and where they fit into history, including his own.

Dominique Erney witnessed criminal justice too close to her family, and graduates prepared to fight for reform in the system.