Harvard Commencement for the Classes of 2020 and 2021

TL;DR

Harvard celebrates a combined commencement ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021, honoring the resilience of the graduates who faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transcript

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ GOOD MORNING, DIANA.

IT IS LOVELY TO SEE YOU. >> THIS IS OUR SECOND COMMENCEMENT THIS YEAR, AND A VERY EXCITING ONE. VERY EXCITING. I AM DAN. I AM DIANA. >> EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES AND DIANA IS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION. RELIGION AND SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES SO I DO -- I SPAN THE WORLD, REALLY. >> AND I ALSO TEACH IN SCH... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏛️ Harvard's unconventional commencement celebrates the unique experiences of the classes of 2020 and 2021.
• ❓ The event highlights the challenges and resilience of the graduates during the pandemic.
• 🥰 The ceremony emphasizes the importance of community and support from families and loved ones.
• 🥳 The celebration recognizes the need for civil discussion and engagement with differing perspectives to solve complex global issues.
• 🧑‍🎓 Students from various fields and backgrounds are contributing to sustainable solutions in different sectors.
• 😘 Active learning approaches, such as designing a low-carbon economy, engage students in real-world problem-solving.
• ❤️‍🩹 Commemorating the accomplishments of graduates helps provide closure and marks the end of their Harvard journey.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is this commencement celebration different from previous years?

This celebration is unique because the degrees have already been granted, and the event serves to confirm and celebrate the graduates' achievements.

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021?

The pandemic presented significant challenges to these classes, with many students having to adjust to online learning and deal with personal hardships caused by the pandemic.

Q: Who is the main speaker at the commencement ceremony?

Merrick Garland, the United States Attorney General, will be the main speaker.

Q: What changes are being made to the ceremony this year?

The ceremony will not include student orations, honorary degrees, or alumni attendance, but will still feature faculty and the confirmation of degrees.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Harvard holds an unusual commencement celebration for the classes of 2020 and 2021, with degrees already granted but being confirmed during the event.

• The celebration recognizes the difficulties faced by the students who experienced online commencements and the personal toll of the pandemic.

• Over 2,750 graduates from both classes return for the celebration, highlighting the strong sense of community and resilience among Harvard students.