Harvard University's 367th Commencement Afternoon Exercises | May 24, 2018

TL;DR

Harvard's 367th Commencement Ceremony celebrates the achievements of its graduates and the rich history of the institution.

Transcript

WELCOME. PRESIDENT FAUST, MEMBERS OF THE WELCOME TOHE AS THE 139TH PRESIDENT OF TH SET OUR VERY FIRST ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, JOHN >> I'M NA AND THIS IS BILL. >> AS WE WELCOME THE NEW ALUM OF 2018 TODAY, THERE IS A BEAUT IN THE AIR AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A WONDFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TCOMMUNE AFTER THE FORMALITY OF THE COMMENCEME... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Harvard's Commencement is steeped in tradition and dates back to 1642, making it one of the oldest commencement ceremonies in the United States.
• 🌍 The event brings together alumni from all over the world to celebrate the achievements of the graduates and the university.
• 🖐️ Harvard's alumni association plays a crucial role in maintaining connections and fostering a sense of community among graduates.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was Harvard College founded?

Harvard College was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to train ministers for the colony. It was named after John Harvard, a minister who donated his books to the college.

Q: Why is Harvard's Commencement not on a Saturday or Sunday?

The tradition of holding Harvard's Commencement on a Thursday dates back to the 1800s when sports activities were included in the festivities. The Harvard-Yale crew races were held on Thursdays, influencing the choice of the day.

Q: What is the significance of the Harvard Medal?

The Harvard Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided extraordinary service to Harvard University. Recipients are honored for their dedication and contributions to the Harvard community.

Q: Who is the commencement speaker for Harvard's 367th Commencement?

The commencement speaker for this year's ceremony is John Lewis, a civil rights leader and congressman from Georgia. Lewis has played a significant role in the fight for equality and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Harvard's commencement ceremony, dating back to 1642, is a celebration of the university's legacy and the academic achievements of its graduates.

• The event includes various class reunions and is attended by tens of thousands of people, including alumni from all over the world.

• The ceremony features a procession of alumni, the presentation of Harvard Medals, a commencement speaker, and a final report from President Faust.