President Larry Bacow Address | Harvard Commencement 2022

TL;DR

Harvard President delivers a commencement speech in person, reflecting on the challenges faced and urging graduates to make a difference in the world.

Transcript

(students cheering) - To everyone who is assembled here today to celebrate the Class of 2022, Welcome! (students cheering) Congratulations to moms and dads and spouses, and children and family and friends, cheerleaders and champions all, and a special congratulations, and I really mean this, to all of you who are joining us online. I actually met l... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 The commencement speech acknowledges the challenges faced by international students unable to have their families present at the ceremony due to the pandemic.
• 🤢 The shortage of seats emphasizes the significance of the graduates' accomplishments, reminding them to value the opportunities they have received.
• 🍔 The President urges the graduates to make a difference in the world by extending opportunities to others and being known for their humility and kindness.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the pandemic affect the presence of family members at the graduation ceremony?

Due to the pandemic, some international students' families could not travel, and they had to watch the ceremony online. The President acknowledges their absence and encourages everyone to welcome and wave to those joining virtually.

Q: What challenges did the staff encounter during the ceremony?

The staff faced a shortage of folding chairs and had to find a solution to accommodate all the graduates. Half of the graduates ended up sitting on blankets, demonstrating the staff's resourcefulness.

Q: What message does the President want to convey to the Class of 2022?

The President urges the graduates to not take their opportunities for granted and challenges them to make room for others, extend opportunities, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Q: How does the President emphasize the importance of humility and kindness?

The President encourages the graduates to be known for their humility, kindness, and concern for others, alongside their professional achievements. He highlights the role of good fortune and circumstance in their success and urges them to extend opportunities to others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Harvard President welcomes and congratulates the Class of 2022, acknowledging the presence of online viewers and international students unable to have their families present due to the pandemic.

• He expresses gratitude for the support system that assisted the graduates in their journey and asks them to thank their loved ones.

• The President discusses the inconvenience of a shortage of seats at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the graduates' accomplishments and inspiring them to create opportunities for others.