Key Moments
Harvard College Class Day 2021
Harvard UniversityKey Moments
Harvard's Class of 2021 faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, yet their resilience and adaptability in navigating a disrupted college experience are a testament to their strength and potential.
Key Insights
Graduating during a pandemic required extraordinary adaptation, including reconfiguring thesis topics, adjusting research plans, and reimagining performances for virtual events.
The Class of 2021 navigated not only the pandemic but also national reckonings with racial and social justice, demonstrating courage and patience beyond typical academic demands.
Jeremy Lin, the featured speaker, emphasized that true contentment is found in the journey, not just the destination, and that identity and faith are crucial superpowers.
The Ames Award recognized two exceptional individuals: Nhu Dang, an immigrant who overcame barriers to serve marginalized communities in healthcare, and Thomas Bassett, a veteran who advocated for fellow veterans and off-campus students.
Marie Konopacki, the Ivy Orator, humorously reflected on the unpredictability of Harvard and the world, drawing parallels between the pandemic's disruption and the unique narrative of the Class of 2021.
Jeremy Lin highlighted the importance of community and mentorship, urging graduates to embrace their unique identities and to lift others up as they navigate their post-Harvard lives.
Navigating unprecedented challenges: The pandemic's impact on the Class of 2021
The 2021 Class Day Exercises celebrated the graduating class's journey through Harvard, a path uniquely defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted by First Marshal Samyra Miller, the initial excitement of arriving on campus was soon overshadowed by the abrupt departure in March 2020, turning a temporary 'see you later' into a prolonged absence. Graduates were forced to adapt to a new reality, facing uncertainties about completing coursework, maintaining student organizations, and supporting families through the global health crisis. Dean Rakesh Khurana likened the experience to walking into strong headwinds, where every step required more effort and visibility was obscured. Despite these challenges, the class demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to online courses, reimagining performances for virtual events, and continuing their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities.
Embracing the journey: Lessons from a disrupted senior year
Dean Rakesh Khurana used the metaphor of a beach to describe the ever-changing nature of life, with headwinds representing the unforeseen challenges. He emphasized that while the pandemic may have slowed the Class of 2021, they did not stop, pivoting and reimagining their paths. He noted that this past year was an additional course in adapting to change, requiring courage and patience. For Jeremy Lin, the featured speaker, the theme of embracing the journey over fixating on the destination was central. Having missed his own commencement due to a pre-draft workout, Lin stressed the importance of appreciating the present moment. He shared personal anecdotes, including the intense anxiety he experienced during 'Linsanity' despite being at the height of his career, illustrating that contentment is found in the process, not solely in achieving goals. This message resonated with a class that experienced a senior year far from the traditional victory lap they envisioned.
The power of identity and community: Lessons from Jeremy Lin and Vanessa Liu
Jeremy Lin spoke about the journey of understanding his identity as an Asian-American athlete. Initially, he tried to distance himself from the 'token Asian' label, wanting to be recognized purely as a basketball player. However, he came to realize that his unique background was a superpower, providing empathy for the underdog and depth to his connections. He stressed that while individuals are more than their identities, these elements are woven into their actions and purpose. Vanessa Liu, incoming president of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), echoed the theme of community and belonging. She shared her own experience of feeling adrift after graduation and finding a 'new Harvard home' within the alumni network through various Harvard Clubs and shared interest groups. Liu highlighted the HAA's commitment to inclusivity and action, especially in response to anti-Asian hate crimes, demonstrating the collective power of the alumni community to foster change and support one another.
Recognizing unsung heroes: The Ames Award recipients
The Richard Glover and Henry Russell Ames Memorial Award honored two graduating seniors for their exceptional service and heroic character. Nhu Dang, a Vietnamese immigrant, was recognized for her extensive work in alleviating health disparities. Despite overcoming language barriers and being the first in her family to attend college, she led initiatives for free kidney disease screenings, tackled HIV disparities in her hometown, served as a peer advisor, and volunteered at a homeless shelter. Thomas Bassett, a veteran, was honored for his advocacy for fellow veterans and off-campus students. He co-founded the Harvard Undergraduate Veterans Organization, creating a vital support network, and was instrumental in advocating for MBTA student discounts for off-campus students. Both recipients exemplified selflessness and a profound commitment to improving the lives of others, embodying the spirit of the Ames brothers.
Reflections on Harvard's unique narrative and future potential
The Orations by Olivia Farrar (Harvard Oration) and Marie Konopacki (Ivy Oration) offered distinct yet complementary perspectives on the Class of 2021's experience. Farrar drew parallels between Edgar Allan Poe's theories of literary 'unity' and 'effect' and the class's narrative, arguing that even a 'broken unity' due to the pandemic's disruption could yield profound lessons. Konopacki, with humor, reflected on Harvard's enigmatic nature and the class's adaptation to remote learning, questioning the mascot and the value of 'Harvard Time' cancellation. Both orators acknowledged the unique circumstances of their graduation, emphasizing the resilience and potential of the class despite the challenges. As Dean Khurana pronounced them 'ready to advance knowledge, to promote understanding, and to serve society,' the speakers collectively underscored that the Class of 2021's disrupted journey had forged strengths that would serve them well in the uncertain world ahead.
The call to service and impact beyond Harvard
The speeches consistently returned to the theme of using one's Harvard education not just for personal success, but for broader societal impact. Jeremy Lin urged graduates to ask themselves not just 'what will you accomplish?' but 'who will you be?' and 'who will you bring up with you?' He emphasized that success without community is meaningless and that breaking down barriers for future generations is a critical responsibility. The Ames Award recipients, Nhu Dang and Thomas Bassett, were living examples of this commitment to service. Dean Khurana invoked Richard Theodore Greener, the first African-American graduate, reminding the class that while progress has been made, inequalities persist and the work towards a more inclusive Harvard continues. Graduates were encouraged to use their gifts to lighten the burden of others, acknowledging that many headwinds in life are not visible.
Looking back and moving forward: Gratitude and celebration
Throughout the ceremony, there was a palpable sense of gratitude for the Harvard community, including faculty, friends, and family. The Senior Gift Campaign, led by Helen Huang, involved not only fundraising but also collecting wisdom and advice for future students, highlighting the strength in continuity and shared memory. Even amidst the unconventional virtual celebration, the Class of 2021 was encouraged to acknowledge their achievements and celebrate their accomplishment. As the ceremony concluded with the Class Ode by Mario Haskett Jr., the overarching message was one of resilience, gratitude, and the powerful promise of the future. The graduates were celebrated not just for completing their degrees but for their ability to navigate adversity, demonstrating a unique strength forged in the crucible of their pandemic-altered college experience.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
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●People Referenced
Common Questions
The main themes revolved around celebrating the resilience and adaptability of the Class of 2021, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighting their journey through unprecedented challenges.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Asian American and Pacific Islander community, mentioned in the context of allyship events organized by Harvard clubs following anti-Asian violence.
An award established in memory of two brothers who lost their lives saving their father, given annually to recognize two members of the graduating class for their energy in helping others and heroic character.
The athletic teams of Harvard University, mentioned as the university's mascot, though its abstract nature was humorously noted.
Latin for 'truth', one of Harvard's core values, mentioned as a guiding principle for the students' decision-making during uncertain times.
A specific experience or tradition at Harvard, possibly related to Mather House, humorously questioned by Marie Konopacki.
The period of intense media attention and fan fervor surrounding Jeremy Lin's success with the New York Knicks.
Harvard Orator for the Class of 2021, who delivered a speech reflecting on life as a story, drawing parallels to Edgar Allan Poe's theories on unity and effect, and how the Class of 2021's story was shaped by the pandemic.
A famous Chinese basketball player, humorously mentioned by Jeremy Lin in relation to white perceptions of Asian athletes.
First Marshal of the Class of 2021, delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the class's journey through Harvard and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Incoming president of the Harvard Alumni Association, who shared her personal journey and emphasized the value of the alumni community, encouraging the graduates to connect and take action.
An American writer, whose theories on 'unity and effect' in storytelling were used as a framework to discuss the Class of 2021's narrative.
Ivy Orator for the Class of 2021, who delivered a humorous and reflective speech about her Harvard experience, the impact of the pandemic, and her interdisciplinary interests.
Dean of Harvard College and Professor, delivered an address emphasizing resilience, adaptation, and the importance of community in the face of challenges, using the metaphor of headwinds and tailwinds.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who introduced Marie Konopacki.
Class Day Odist for the Class of 2021, who performed a song titled 'Fair Harvard'.
Featured speaker for Class Day 2021, Harvard alumnus, NBA player, and advocate. He delivered a speech about identity, faith, the journey of success, and embracing one's background.
A Harvard professor, mentioned humorously for dressing up as Batman for a lecture.
The first African-American graduate of Harvard College, whose legacy of striving for knowledge and doing good was highlighted in the context of ongoing work towards a more inclusive Harvard.
Secretary for the Class of 2021, introduced Vanessa Liu, highlighting her role as incoming president of the Harvard Alumni Association.
A Gift Marshal for the Class of 2021, who spoke about the importance of the Senior Gift Campaign and reflecting on shared memories.
Second recipient of the Ames Award, recognized for his military service, advocacy for veterans on campus through the Harvard Undergraduate Veterans Organization, and efforts to secure MBTA student discounts.
Sixth U.S. President and first president of the Harvard Alumni Association, whose vision for the HAA was referenced by Vanessa Liu.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who introduced Olivia Farrar.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who introduced the first recipient of the Ames Award.
First recipient of the Ames Award, recognized for her extensive volunteer work and advocacy for marginalized communities, including kidney disease screening, HIV prevention, and assisting the homeless.
A rapper, mentioned in relation to Marie Konopacki having 'locked eyes' with him.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who introduced featured speaker Jeremy Lin.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who led a moment of remembrance for classmates lost during their time at Harvard.
A member of the Class of 2021 who passed away, remembered for his brilliance, talent, and charisma.
Program Marshal for the Class of 2021, who introduced the recipients of the Ames Award.
Program Manager for Military Services at Harvard, who praised Thomas Bassett's dedication and effectiveness.
Second Marshal for the Class of 2021, who delivered remarks reflecting on the class's diverse and unprecedented experiences.
An organization where Nhu Dang served as president, providing free chronic kidney disease screenings to marginalized communities.
The university's men's basketball team, for which Jeremy Lin was a record-shattering point guard and senior captain.
An organization that honored Jeremy Lin with their Leadership and Philanthropy Award for his advocacy and work for justice.
A community at Harvard where Thomas Bassett was an active member, advocating for student needs.
An organization that supports Harvard alumni, mentioned as a source of unwavering support and a lifelong community.
An organization providing support to Harvard College, mentioned for its unwavering support to the Class of 2021.
An institute at Harvard Kennedy School, mentioned as a place that inspired Vanessa Liu during her time at Harvard.
A shelter where Nhu Dang volunteered.
A program facilitating international educational and cultural exchange, which Vanessa Liu undertook after graduating from Harvard.
A hospital where Nhu Dang volunteered with rehabilitative patients.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Thomas Bassett advocated for the University to provide MBTA student discounts to off-campus students.
A multinational enterprise software company. Vanessa Liu is the vice president of SAP.iO, an organization focused on building startup ecosystems around SAP.
An organization co-founded by Thomas Bassett, dedicated to advocating for and supporting veteran students at Harvard.
An NBA team Jeremy Lin joined, where he suffered a career-ending injury.
An NBA team that Jeremy Lin had a pre-draft workout with, leading him to miss his own Harvard commencement.
An NBA team, Jeremy Lin was scheduled to play against during the height of Linsanity.
An organization where Nhu Dang served as co-president, likely related to assisting individuals facing challenges.
An NBA team that Jeremy Lin played for, famously leading them during the 'Linsanity' period.
An NBA team that Jeremy Lin played for, winning a championship with them in 2019.
A foundation established by Jeremy Lin to support children from poverty and promote racial justice.
An online encyclopedia, mentioned humorously by Jeremy Lin in relation to his sushi-eating incident.
A global financial institution, mentioned as a potential career path for graduates.
A video game retailer, mentioned as an investment Marie Konopacki made early on.
A professional basketball team in California, where Jeremy Lin was playing at the time of the speech.
A residential house at Harvard, where Jeremy Lin lived during his undergraduate years.
The central quadrangle of Harvard University, mentioned as the starting point of the Class of 2021's journey and a place of fond memories.
Hometown of Nhu Dang, where she addressed disparities in HIV screening and treatment.
A library at Harvard, mentioned humorously regarding a missed tradition.
A statue of John Harvard on campus, mentioned in the context of missed traditions.
Thomas Jefferson's estate, used metaphorically to describe rising to the top.
City where Nhu Dang volunteered with housing-insecure individuals.
Country from which Nhu Dang immigrated at age 13, mentioned as part of her inspiring journey.
One of the residential houses at Harvard, mentioned as Marie Konopacki's residence.
The capital of Taiwan, from where Jeremy Lin's parents emigrated.
A river in Massachusetts, mentioned metaphorically in the closing song.
An economics course at Harvard, mentioned by Jeremy Lin in relation to supply and demand principles.
A Harvard program through which Nhu Dang served as a student teacher in her home country.
A dating or matchmaking service, humorously mentioned as a way some classmates found love.
A news magazine, which named Jeremy Lin among its 100 most influential people.
A children's book character, used as a humorous comparison to a cardboard cutout of Jeremy Lin that friends carried to his missed graduation.
A sports magazine, which featured Jeremy Lin on its cover during Linsanity.
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