Key Moments
Harvard Commencement 2022
Harvard UniversityKey Moments
Harvard's 371st commencement celebrates the Class of 2022, marking a return to in-person ceremonies after two years of pandemic-induced disruptions, with a focus on resilience and hope.
Key Insights
This year's commencement is the first in-person ceremony since 2019, with a reduced capacity for graduates and a separate celebration planned for the classes of 2020 and 2021.
The ceremony highlights the impact of COVID-19, leading to adaptations like outdoor services and the use of large tents, moving away from traditional indoor crowding.
The importance of community and support systems is emphasized, with special recognition for parents, teachers, and loved ones who contributed to the graduates' success.
Harvard is dedicating $100 million to address its historical ties to slavery and is reviewing the naming of spaces and buildings to reflect a more inclusive legacy.
The commencement addresses and orations focused on themes of resilience, overcoming confinement, the fragility of democracy, the importance of empathy, and the responsibility to create a better future.
Jacinda Ardern's address highlighted the fragility of democracy, the impact of social media on discourse, and the need for empathy and kindness in navigating societal divisions.
A long-awaited return to in-person celebration
Harvard University's 371st commencement marked a significant return to tradition, being the first in-person ceremony since 2019. After two years of virtual or significantly altered commencements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2022 gathered in person. This year's event was distinct, with a more focused attendance primarily for the 8,800 graduates, including 2,500 undergraduates receiving their first degrees. Recognizing that many from the classes of 2020 and 2021 missed their traditional ceremonies, Harvard planned a separate commencement for them on the following Sunday. The atmosphere was described as a vibrant academic festival, emphasizing the crucial element of human presence in such celebrations, which was largely absent in online formats.
Adapting to a post-pandemic reality
The lingering impact of the pandemic shaped many aspects of the commencement. Traditional gatherings, like the senior service usually held in the crowded Memorial Church, were moved to larger outdoor spaces, such as a "brutalist tent" in the science center, to ensure safety and accommodate physical distancing. The use of outdoor spaces across campus, with chairs set up in areas not typically used for such events, became a necessity. While the weather was favorable, the adaptations reflected a broader shift in how large gatherings are managed, acknowledging the need for flexibility and creativity in event planning in the wake of public health concerns. This year's ceremony also saw doctoral candidates from graduate schools entering the main theater first, a change from previous years.
Honoring resilience and community support
The ceremony acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the Class of 2022, many of whom experienced periods of exile from campus due to COVID-19. Despite the global challenges, including political divides and international conflicts, the commencement was framed as a source of hope. The immense potential of the 8,000 graduating students across all Harvard schools was highlighted, with an emphasis on their capacity to improve the world. The importance of support systems was a recurring theme, with speakers and graduates acknowledging the roles of parents, teachers, mentors, and loved ones. Special mention was made of two law students who passed away, Dave Hicks and Tommy Raskin, whose spirits were honored and whose families were in the thoughts of the community.
Addressing Harvard's complex legacy
A significant aspect of this year's commencement discussions revolved around Harvard's engagement with its historical legacy, particularly its ties to slavery. President Bacow announced a $100 million commitment to address this responsible history, moving beyond mere compensation to find meaningful ways to respond. This initiative includes examining the naming of Harvard spaces and buildings, a process that is happening nationwide and is often controversial. The complexities of this reckoning were illustrated by the example of Louis Agassiz, a renowned geologist and founder of natural history museums, who also held deeply racist views. The university is grappling with how to acknowledge both significant contributions and harmful ideologies, a process that involves confronting difficult historical figures and their impact on scholarship and society.
Inspiring orations on freedom and vision
The student orations offered powerful reflections on the graduates' experiences and their aspirations. Benjamin Porteous delivered the Latin salutatory, followed by Noah Harris's English address, "The Caged Bird Sings," which explored themes of confinement, resilience, and equality, drawing parallels to the enslaved ancestors and the ongoing struggles for freedom. Lindsay Sonwald's graduate English address, "In Exile We Become Prophets," touched upon the unique experience of being students during the pandemic, the blurring of physical and virtual spaces, and the transformative power of vulnerability and hope. She shared her personal journey as a queer, heathen, first-generation graduate, connecting it to her great-grandmother's courage and sacrifice, urging graduates to be 'renaissance artists reborn after a plague' and 'visionaries.'
Jacinda Ardern's call for empathy and democratic strength
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered the commencement address, focusing on the fragility of democracy in the modern era. She highlighted how trust in institutions and facts can be eroded rapidly, exacerbated by social media's role in shaping online environments and potentially radicalizing users. Ardern recounted New Zealand's experience with the Christchurch mosque shootings, emphasizing the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and tech companies to address online extremism. She stressed that while algorithms play a role, individual responsibility in critically engaging with information and maintaining empathy is crucial. Drawing from her own background in a diverse town and her political career, Ardern advocated for dialogue, understanding, and kindness as essential components for strengthening democratic foundations, urging graduates to embrace difference and resist division.
Conferral of degrees and the spirit of commencement
The ceremony included the formal conferral of degrees across numerous schools, from doctoral candidates in philosophy and medicine to master's degrees in business, design, public health, education, and law, culminating in the presentation of bachelor's degrees to Harvard College undergraduates. The distinction between "commencement" as a beginning rather than an ending was emphasized. The university also recognized remarkable individuals with honorary degrees, including Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tam-Fum (Ebola researcher), Dr. Vicki Lynn Ruiz (Latina/Chicana studies pioneer), Martha Nussbaum (philosopher), William Julius Wilson (sociologist), Gloria Steinem (feminist activist), José Andrés (chef and humanitarian), and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. These honorees, celebrated for their significant contributions, embodied the spirit of service and impact that Harvard aims to instill in its graduates. The ceremony concluded with a moment of reflection on the challenges facing the world and a blessing for the graduates to use their education to make a positive difference.
Mentioned in This Episode
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Common Questions
The 2022 commencement was Harvard's 371st, and notable for being the first in-person ceremony after two years of shutdowns due to COVID-19. It also featured two graduations: one for the Class of 2022 and another on Sunday for the classes of 2020 and 2021 who missed their in-person ceremonies.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Father of Jean-Andre Prager, acknowledged for his support.
Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies, delivered the Latin Salutatory at the commencement.
Author of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' quoted by Noah Harris in his commencement address.
Candidate for Master of Divinity, delivered the Graduate English Address, 'In Exile We Become Prophets,' identifying as a queer heathen woman and first-generation graduate.
Nominated by President Biden to the Federal Reserve Board and mother of deceased law student Tommy Raskin. Withdrew her nomination due to opposition from Joe Manchin.
Harvard College Class of 2022, composer and lyricist of the song 'Dive' performed at commencement.
Mentioned as someone who commented on the separation of the alumni association from commencement, seeing it as an end rather than a beginning.
Philosopher, ethicist, and humanist known for her work on Greek tragedy, democracy, emotions, and ethical responsibilities to animals, and for developing the capabilities approach. Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
40th Prime Minister of New Zealand, known for her empathetic and pragmatic leadership style, addressed the commencement. Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Harvard graduate, former softball player who transitioned from pre-med to environmental science after a back injury, recipient of the Jim McCarthy Prize.
Former Prime Minister of the UK, for whom Jean-Andre Prager served as a main advisor on welfare policy.
Former Harvard president, mentioned as having contributed significantly to the university but also holding 'pretty difficult ideas.'
Philosopher quoted for his essay 'The True Harvard,' describing the 'invisible Harvard' in the souls of its students.
Iconic champion of women's rights, co-founder of Ms. magazine and numerous other organizations, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Student from Otorohanga College in New Zealand, who advocated for teaching New Zealand history in schools.
Statue outside the Centennial Theater, representing the university's founder.
Harvard Kennedy School graduate with cerebral palsy, former advisor on welfare policy to Boris Johnson.
President of Harvard University, announced a $100 million initiative to address Harvard's legacy of slavery and delivered a speech at commencement.
Harvard Class of 1939, songwriter whose lyric 'Why did I ever leave Ohio?' is referenced.
Jacinda Ardern's daughter, whose birth in office made Ardern the second leader to do so, after Benazir Bhutto.
Member of Congress from Maryland and father of deceased law student Tommy Raskin.
Professor whose course on climate and energy challenge inspired Aubrey Muse to switch her academic path.
Deceased law student with extraordinary promise and interest in aiding the global poor, son of Jamie Raskin and Sarah Raskin.
Former U.S. President, mentioned as another historical figure with significant accomplishments but also 'toxic and harmful ideas,' similar to Agassiz.
Former Harvard colleague, author of 'The Mismeasure of Man,' who confronted racist thinking and its impact on science.
Reverend and Chaplain of the Day, who delivered the opening prayer at the commencement ceremony.
Deceased law student from the Kennedy School and Law School, committed to global inequality, honored at commencement.
Harvard College Class of 2023, who performed the national anthem at the commencement ceremony.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, first Muslim female prime minister, first to give birth in office, whose 1989 Harvard commencement address focused on the fragility of democracy. Assassinated in 2007.
Former German Chancellor, mentioned by Jacinda Ardern in a discussion about changes in media and information flow.
Senator who opposed Sarah Raskin's nomination to the Federal Reserve Board due to her stance on climate change.
Great geologist and natural history scientist whose building was mentioned; noted for his scientific contributions but also his 'horrible racist' ideas.
Scholar of race, poverty, joblessness, and inequality, known for his incisive work on the inner city and advocating for racial equality. Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, whose staff Jacinda Ardern served on.
Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in Government, delivered the Senior English Address, 'The Caged Bird Sings,' and was the first Black man elected student body president in Harvard College's history.
World-renowned chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian, founder of World Central Kitchen. Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Scholar who argues that the modern era of disinformation began in the early 1920s.
Student from Otorohanga College in New Zealand, who advocated for teaching New Zealand history in schools.
Congolese virologist, known as the 'Ebola Hunter,' played a leading role in discovering Ebola and fighting infectious diseases, co-invented monoclonal antibody treatment Ibanga. Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Founding Father of the United States, quoted regarding the nature of the republic: 'A republic, if you can keep it.'
The institution hosting the commencement ceremony, celebrating its 371st commencement. Discussed its history, diversity, and impact.
One of the professional organizations where Vicki Lynn Ruiz held a leadership role (presidency).
One of the professional organizations where Vicki Lynn Ruiz held a leadership role (presidency).
Where William Julius Wilson served as past president and received its highest lifetime honor.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
Mentioned due to a pending lawsuit regarding affirmative action against Harvard, which could force changes in admissions policy.
Where Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum is the inaugural president.
A public school in New Zealand from which two students successfully campaigned to include New Zealand history in the curriculum.
One of the educational institutions attended by Vicki Lynn Ruiz.
Where Martha Nussbaum holds numerous academic appointments in various fields.
One of the educational institutions attended by William Julius Wilson.
Organization where Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum serves as General Director.
One of the educational institutions attended by Martha Nussbaum.
One of the educational institutions attended by William Julius Wilson.
Where Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum served as past dean and professor.
Where Vicki Lynn Ruiz earned her PhD.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
Non-profit founded by José Andrés, providing meals to people in need during crises, including the Haiti earthquake and the war in Ukraine.
The traditional and ancestral inhabitants of the land where Harvard University is located; acknowledged and respected in the opening prayer.
One of the educational institutions attended by Vicki Lynn Ruiz.
One of the professional organizations where Vicki Lynn Ruiz held a leadership role (presidency).
One of the educational institutions attended by William Julius Wilson.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
Where Jacinda Ardern earned her bachelor's degree.
The public healthcare system in the UK, mentioned as a key difference in social policy compared to the US.
One of the professional organizations where Vicki Lynn Ruiz held a leadership role (presidency).
College attended by Gloria Steinem.
Where Martha Nussbaum served on the faculty.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
Organization co-founded by Gloria Steinem.
One of the educational institutions attended by Martha Nussbaum.
Aubrey Muse's ethnic identity; she wore an acorn necklace and shells made by her Native Hawaiian grandmother.
An award won by Aubrey Muse, named after Jim McCarthy who passed away in 2019.
An initiative born from the Christchurch mosque shootings, bringing together governments, civil society, and tech companies to combat violent extremism online.
An honor received by Gloria Steinem in 2013.
A political movement studied by Professor Theta Skocpol, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
A framework developed by Martha Nussbaum for evaluating human well-being, focusing on the equal dignity of all people and the capabilities that enable fulfilling lives.
An honor received by Vicki Lynn Ruiz for her contributions to the humanities.
An honor received by William Julius Wilson, recognizing his dedication to social science.
The highest lifetime honor from the American Sociological Association, awarded to William Julius Wilson.
A book by Stephen Jay Gould that critiques the history of scientific racism and the measurement of human intelligence.
A book by William Julius Wilson, influential in understanding poverty and social exclusion.
Autobiography by Maya Angelou, providing the title and inspiration for Noah Harris's commencement address.
An essay by William James, referenced to emphasize the internal, intellectual spirit of Harvard beyond its physical presence.
A book by William Julius Wilson, envisioning solutions for racial inequality.
A book by William Julius Wilson, contributing to understanding race and inequality.
A book by William Julius Wilson, exploring the impact of joblessness on communities.
A book by William Julius Wilson, known for shaping understanding of racial dynamics.
Film series for which Jacinda Ardern reportedly auditioned, without success.
A landmark encyclopedia co-edited by Vicki Lynn Ruiz, contributing significantly to understanding the Latina experience.
A book by Vicki Lynn Ruiz, highlighting the lives of strong, resilient women.
Where World Central Kitchen's emergency efforts began after the 2010 earthquake.
Mentioned in the context of global conflicts and the challenges facing the world.
Birthplace of Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum and location of his work in fighting Ebola outbreaks.
The Maori name for New Zealand, mentioned by Jacinda Ardern in her address.
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