A triumphant day for Harvard

He barely uttered “Welcome,” before the audience leapt to its feet to give a visibly touched President Alan Garber a standing ovation as he occupied the podium in the initial moments of Commencement. Meanwhile, across the Charles, University attorneys were presenting their argument against a Trump administration action to prevent Harvard from admitting international students. This graduation was unlike any other in its legal and political backdrop, yet fundamentally it remained profoundly personal. The mixture of optimism for the future, appreciation for family, friends, and educators, and the bittersweet nature of transitioning was evident throughout the Yard. Here are some glimpses of the day.

Always keep in mind: You might be mistaken

In his speech to graduates, President Garber offered a caution regarding the risks of becoming too complacent.

“The reality as it stands tempts us with the enticement of what one might generously term comfortable thinking,” stated Garber, “a mindset that easily convinces us of the validity of our own assumptions, the truth of our own arguments, and the reasonableness of our own opinions, positions, and views — so devoted to our beliefs that we seek out information confirming them while dismissing evidence that contradicts them.

“Although many would be reluctant to acknowledge it, absolute certainty and intentional ignorance are two facets of the same coin, a coin that holds no value but incurs immeasurable costs. False certitude drains genuine potential. Engrossed in satisfying a profound need to be right, we risk losing that which is often obtained from being wrong — humility, compassion, generosity, understanding — squandering chances to broaden our thinking and adapt our views in the process.”

As he neared the conclusion of his speech, he encouraged graduates forward as “the embodiment of this institution’s hope — living evidence that our mission transforms not just individual lives but also the paths of the communities that you will join, assist, and guide.”

‘Semper Veritas’

Early Thursday morning, nestled in a serene, grassy alcove in front of Holden Chapel, seniors convened for the last time to hear from Rakesh Khurana, the Danoff Dean of Harvard College.

In his final address to students before stepping down as dean, Khurana urged soon-to-be graduates to relish the achievement of reaching such a pivotal academic and personal milestone in their lives.

“Savor this moment. Reflect on where you were four years ago, your current position, and all that transpired in between, and embrace every moment of this extraordinary day,” Khurana said.

He also encouraged students to utilize their time and skills to make positive impacts in the world. “Whatever your passion in life, I urge you to do good,” he remarked, later adding: “My sincerest hope for all of you is that your education has equipped you to be good citizens and citizen leaders for our community. Go forth and make us proud.”

Khurana, who was appointed dean of the College in 2014, intends to return to the faculty at the Department of Sociology and Harvard Business School.

“I will hold you all dearly in my heart, and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to share these past four years with you and to serve as dean of Harvard College,” he declared. “Semper Veritas!”

Possibilities and motivation

More than thirty years after her own Harvard graduation, Jean-Marie Alves-Bradford, M.D. ’92, radiated pride as her eldest son Malik Aaron Bradford III ’25 received his diploma in biomedical engineering.

“I’m immensely proud of him and it’s wonderful to witness his achievements,” the former Kirkland House resident expressed. “This institution offers numerous opportunities that he has embraced, and he will continue to thrive.”

She continued: “He’s grown significantly. It’s been gratifying to observe that transformation. He’s truly found comfort in his own identity.”

Alves-Bradford and her spouse, Malik Bradford II, expressed their enthusiasm for their son’s upcoming endeavors. The newly minted Harvard graduate already has a position secured post-Commencement, they proudly disclosed. Bradford II mentioned his hope that Malik’s pursuits can be “applied in a manner that fosters his sense of fulfillment.”

A few feet away, fellow Eliot House parent Linda Erickson shared her enthusiasm at
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witnessing her daughter, Sarah Erickson ’25, fulfill her lifelong aspiration.

“When she was 8, she mentioned, ‘I dream of attending Harvard someday.’ So, witnessing that dream come true after all these years has been truly remarkable,” Linda expressed. “She has dedicated herself immensely to reach that aim, and arriving at this day has been profoundly inspiring.”

Sarah, who was homeschooled in Cincinnati by her mother prior to commencing high school, obtained her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. While at Harvard, she engaged in dance and performed in musical theater with the Harvard-Radcliffe Modern Dance Company and assumed the role of a staff photographer for the Harvard Crimson.

“She’s transformed from the girl I dropped off four years ago,” Linda stated. “She has created wonderful memories with everyone she’s met here. It’s been extraordinary.”

Amid challenges, optimism for the future of higher education

“Honestly, it feels surreal,” remarked Jesse Hernandez regarding his transition from life at Harvard. “As a first-generation college student, I sometimes struggle to envision what lies ahead after an experience like this.”

The economics graduate, who lived in Lowell House and intends to seek employment in finance this summer, felt especially thankful that his parents and younger brother could make the rare journey from Florida to provide their encouragement. “It’s gratifying to celebrate with everyone who contributed to my success.”

With many close friends who are international students, Hernandez expressed concerns about their futures following the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard from admitting them.

“Everyone is anxious. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does,” he noted. Despite the situation, Hernandez maintained a hopeful outlook.

“I believe we’ll navigate through this, and that higher education will not come to an end today.”

Three years after knee injury, embarking on a new career

Danielle Ray’s path to Harvard commenced with a knee trauma. The professional squash player from Calgary, Canada, had been competing at a professional level since finishing her studies at Cornell, but during the 2022 Canadian National Championships, she made an awkward move and tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus simultaneously.

“My knee just became stuck on the ground as I turned, and it just collapsed,” she recalled.

Facing the reality of multiple surgeries and extended time away from the sport, Ray sought alternative avenues to prepare herself for the future. Her now-husband, a Harvard graduate with a master’s degree, recommended the Harvard Extension School.

A month later, Ray enrolled in a master’s program focused on information management systems. “I injured my knee in June,” she recounted, “and began the program in July.”

Ray discovered that the program offered an excellent balance of technical and policy-oriented courses. Her favorite class, “Fundamentals of the Law and Cybersecurity,” explored the legal, economic, and policy challenges stemming from cybersecurity threats. She felt particularly engaged by the program’s policy elements and her work in agile project management—finding solutions to intricate, evolving issues.

Since she could complete her degree online while taking one or two courses at a time, Ray was able to advance her life in various other aspects. She recovered from her surgeries, progressed through physical therapy, and returned to professional squash—representing Canada internationally. She competed in tournaments while expecting and welcomed a baby girl in January.

Ray describes her current situation as “somewhat transitional.” She aims to secure a policy-related role soon, building on her interests cultivated at Harvard. She continues to compete professionally.

At Commencement on Thursday, surrounded by her family, she celebrated her achievement. “It’s nearly three years to the day since my knee injury,” she reflected. It would have been hard to foresee all that quickly ensued.

Empowering underprivileged Detroit youth

“I never envisioned this for myself,” stated Courtney Ebonique Smith, a newly graduated student of the Harvard Extension School with a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology.

Smith was raised in foster care and, upon graduating high school, was living in a homeless shelter. Her experiences motivated her to establish the Detroit Phoenix Center, a nonprofit in Detroit providing housing, educational, and workforce support for young individuals facing housing instability and other obstacles to opportunities.

“We offer them assistance so they can thrive,” she elaborated, “and perhaps even aspire to come to Harvard.”

A few years after launching the nonprofit at age 25, Smith sought ways to acquire skills that she could immediately apply as its CEO. She discovered the Extension School, which permitted her to take courses both in-person and online.

In 2020, she began the Extension School’s Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate. Upon completion, she enrolled in a master’s program. The program’s flexibility allowed her to study whenever she had free time. “I could do it at night, on the plane, early in the morning, or during the day,” she laughed. “It was incredibly convenient.”

Smith mentioned that her abilities in fundraising and project management improved significantly after completing courses in those areas. Overall, she stated, the program taught her “how to adapt and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.”

Reflecting on her journey, Smith feels proud of her accomplishment in graduating from Harvard. “I want everyone to understand that your background doesn’t define your future,” she emphasized. “There are opportunities for you to pursue your dreams and succeed.”

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A true team player

Scott Woods II is a man of commitments.

At the forefront of the economics graduate’s priorities is his House, Cabot.

“I really identify with the quad — immensely loyal to the quad,” he remarked, carrying the Cabot House sign used during the Commencement Exercises across the Yard. “I take pride in how wonderful it is, despite the criticism it often receives.”

Woods explained that Cabot, situated on the “quad,” is regarded by some as less appealing compared to other Houses that are nearer to the main campus along the Charles River. He understands this perspective, having initially felt the same way.

“I vividly recall the moment I received my housing assignment as a first-year,” he shared. “The atmosphere was so tense — no one was thrilled at first. However, once we got out there, we quickly recognized it was merely a misconception, and we needed to shape it into what it truly was, which was a great experience.”

In addition to being a Cabot House advocate, Woods is also a devoted supporter of Crimson football, having played as a wide receiver for the team.

“Harvard made a last-minute offer that transformed my life. Ever since I committed to play here, my life trajectory has been upward,” he stated.

Woods mentioned he will be heading to the University of Maine next year to pursue an M.B.A. Originally hailing from Virginia, he seriously remarked that Cabot has helped make Harvard feel like home.

“The individuals in Cabot made me feel acknowledged and at ease. It felt like I had a family,” he said, smiling. “Being out here, you don’t have many opportunities to interact with others.”

On Commencement Day, Woods was accompanied by his mother, father, brother, and two grandmothers. He said they were delighted to see their Cabot House representative.

“They considered me quite exceptional. They wanted to take a photo with me,” he expressed.

‘It’s astonishing’

Jean Filo hurried to meet his parents following the Commencement ceremony, part of a departing wave of fellow Medical School graduates identifiable by their stethoscopes along with their caps and gowns.

He took a brief moment to contemplate the significance of his graduation, not only for himself as an immigrant from Syria but also for his parents who were eagerly waiting to embrace their son.

“It’s astonishing,” he remarked. “Today primarily revolves around my parents and their enjoyment of this moment.”

During his tenure at Harvard Medical School, Filo engaged in cerebrovascular research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Brain Aneurysm Institute. He indicated that he’s headed to Philadelphia for a residency in neurosurgery.

But before that, he said, rushing off, he had dinner arrangements with his parents.

Family pride — and influence

Caroline Maynes and Sierra Dorweiler have witnessed their son and brother, respectively, over the years, and while they know him well, they are still in awe. Nicholas Maynes, who earned a master’s degree in public administration on Thursday, has traversed an extensive journey that has taken him through war and back.

As the two watched the Commencement unfold in the Tercentenary Theatre, they remarked that Maynes has always been self-motivated, starting with his education at West Point.

His Army service as a field artillery officer included a deployment to Iraq during the liberation of Mosul. Subsequently, he earned a master’s degree in business administration at the University of California at Berkeley before enrolling at Harvard to study at the Kennedy School.

“Academics has always been his passion,” Caroline noted.

Dorweiler mentioned that observing her brother has significantly influenced her as well. Maynes has continually urged her to focus on what can be accomplished rather than what cannot, she continued.

“I’m incredibly proud because he’s the one who has motivated me to excel academically,” she expressed. “He makes it seem like almost anything is achievable.”

Her ambition: To assist as many individuals in learning as possible

Growing up in India, Devina Neema — who graduated on Thursday from the Harvard Graduate School of Education — witnessed a significant gap between private and public educational institutions. Her school provided excellent classrooms and instructors, with 40 hours of classes each week. In contrast, public schools offered only four or five hours of instruction, with few textbooks and limited involvement between educators and parents.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Neema began teaching in public schools through a nonprofit organization. The conditions were far from ideal. At times, she managed classrooms with 90 students. “It was a completely new experience for me,” she shared. “I recognized that this is where education must improve and evolve.”

For various nonprofits, Neema worked in both rural and urban settings to understand how students learned in different types of schools. How did they acquire their first language? What math discrepancies existed? Were there technological solutions?

To examine these questions in more depth, and to gain a more formal education in teaching and how to enact systemic change in education, Neema sought the HGSE’s master’s program in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology.

At Harvard, Neema investigated how individuals of various ages learn and how technology can enhance this process. She also explored how learners can develop transferable skills, such as social skills, and apply them to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Having never formally studied education in a university environment, she was particularly struck — and inspired — by the vast amount of research her professors conducted within their specializations. “To truly grasp something at its core,” she commented, “you must broaden your perspective while also refining your niche and delving deep.”

With her program now concluded, Neema intends to remain in the region to continue her learning and “build something here.” After investigating educational systems across different nations and the mechanisms of international and humanitarian assistance, she aims to help as many people as possible learn — utilizing any resources available to her.

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J. Koutoujian guides the procession into Harvard Yard.

Photo by Grace DuVal

What Lies Ahead

Much like others, College seniors Kylie Hunts-in-Winter and Taylor Larson were uncertain about what to anticipate from the Morning Exercises on what is usually a celebratory day.

Given the strains caused by Harvard’s legal confrontations with the Trump administration, they were unsure how the graduating students would react to University representatives or the festivities.

“Some individuals were expressing on [the social media platform] Sidechat that they want to applaud [President Alan] Garber, while others had differing opinions. Thus, I’m eager to see how this unfolds,” remarked Hunts-in-Winter, a skilled martial artist who majored in sociology and Ethnicity, Migration, Rights.

The pair stood with Larson’s Adams House peers as undergraduates prepared to proceed into Tercentenary Theatre. Shortly thereafter, Garber and other University officials were met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience as they approached the stage.

For Larson, a history and literature major from Minnesota, the morning was filled with mixed feelings. Although it was “thrilling,” she admitted to feeling “overwhelmed by everything that lies ahead.”

Both identify as first-generation, low-income students. Larson intends to pursue a master’s degree in history in London, while Hunts-in-Winter, whose family is Lakota from the Standing Rock Reservation, plans to stay in the Boston region to engage in public service with Native American communities.

“I am thankful and deeply appreciative of my experiences,” stated Larson. “I made all my closest friends here and accessed numerous opportunities due to Harvard funding.”

Dunster House Ceremony: Enduring Bonds

Residents of Dunster House returned to their abode of the last three years to unite with family, friends, and celebrate by receiving diplomas and enjoying a meal — allowing it all to sink in.

Graduate Minsoo Kwon, a Mather House resident, visited Dunster to honor her friend Hannah Ahn, whom she connected with five years ago during a gap year in Korea.

Kwon shared that both have maintained their friendship throughout college and are planning to attend law school in the fall—with arrangements already made for regular visits.

“I’ll be at Yale, and Hannah will be at Columbia,” she said. “Still along the Amtrak line.”

Ahn graduated with a degree in government while Kwon completed hers in neuroscience. She is focused on drug and healthcare policies intersecting law and science.

Two other friends partaking in the afternoon celebrations were Sara Silarszka and Quincy Brunner Donley — first-year roommates who bonded so well they continued living together throughout the next three years at Dunster.

“We shared a double room for three years, and this is the first year we had our own rooms,” Donley noted.

When asked about missing their close quarters, Donley remarked, “I think I did,” immediately followed by “definitely” from Silarszka.

Both roommates have made significant strides in Harvard athletics — Silarszka as a field hockey player with a degree in integrated biology, and Donley as a Nordic skier with a degree in economics.

Donley stated that after graduation, she will return to her home state of Alaska to pursue professional skiing.

“At least for the foreseeable future,” she added.

Silarszka, hailing from Virginia, expressed hope to visit her former roommate. She is taking a gap year prior to applying for medical school.

“I just love living with my closest friends,” she mentioned. “You’ll never be this close to so many people you cherish, so that’ll be tough to leave behind.”

Returning to Roots

Chidimma Adinna, a graduating senior from Adams House, departed Nigeria at the age of six when her parents immigrated to California. Now, she’s set to revisit, thanks to a fellowship to teach at a high school attended by some family members.

Her eagerness to return to Nigeria roots from her family history; however, the methodology and reasoning are largely influenced by her education at Harvard. A psychology major, Adinna developed an interest in climate change during her undergraduate years. As a fellow in Nigeria, she aspires to advocate for sustainability and assist the school in combating the climate crisis. She will also serve as a tutor and mentor for students aspiring to attend college.

“Since my youth, I have consistently sought to stay connected to my community in Nigeria,” she explained. “This has included donating clothing through organizations that I created with my family, and it’s a mission I strive to continue even after graduation. It has evolved over the years as I aim to give back to my community.”

Connecting Flights?

Justin Biassou spent considerable time aboard an airplane en route to his master’s degree.

Starting in 2022, he occasionally commuted from Seattle to Cambridge for in-person classes at Harvard Extension School, where he obtained an A.L.M. in international relations.

Biassou is at ease while flying. He initiated flight training at the age of 12 and acquired his private pilot’s license at 17. Even while studying, he held a full-time position leading an air safety team for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Biassou commenced his courses in January 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic still overshadowed campuses, classrooms, and airports.

“I enrolled in one class each semester, and every one comprised of this remarkable group of students with diverse backgrounds — often they were also working.”

Many of Biassou’s courses were conducted online. But the in-person interactions in Cambridge justified the flight, as did several intensive January courses squeezed into his work break.

During a period when “many of us felt isolated and quite apprehensive,” Biassou recalled, class “significantly brought us together… These have turned into lifelong friendships.”

The Extension School provided Biassou an opportunity to enhance his expertise in aviation safety. With newfound knowledge in international relations, he aims to “harmonize” safety initiatives beyond U.S. borders, collaborating with entities like the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

His three-year, cross-continental balancing act may have resulted in “a lot of gray hairs.”

“But I have an incredibly supportive network: my partner Michelle, my parents, my sisters,” Biassou stated, with his family by his side. “They allowed me to…

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Me to concentrate on the tasks that required completion: Yes, 40 hours a week ensuring aviation security, along with managing my studies.”

A child of immigrants gives back

A considerable number of faculty and alumni at Thursday’s Commencement ceremonies donned stickers, blossoms, and additional symbols to show their support for Harvard’s international students — who are currently facing challenges from the Trump administration.

For Daniel Roque-Coplín, J.D. ’25, the mission of protecting the rights of newcomers in America is deeply personal — and central to his career aspirations.

“Both of my parents are immigrants: My mother is from the Dominican Republic; my father is from Cuba,” Roque-Coplín expressed, as he and his mother gathered before lunch. “They never imagined in their lives that their son could attend a school like this.”

His journey through law school was not consistently straightforward — particularly in the beginning.

“In the first and second years, you spend extensive hours in the library,” he remarked. “Often, the studying can overwhelm you, since you’re essentially competing with everyone else.”

Roque-Coplín indicated that he was motivated by a desire to assist families like his own, with immigrant histories and lofty aspirations in the United States.

Even before the recent tightening of immigration laws and enforcement, the legal system did not always favor those families, Roque-Coplín stated.

He aims to change that.

“Immigration law is multifaceted, right? There are public health concerns, criminal issues, and straightforward demands” related to legal status and asylum.

He had already begun that endeavor in Cambridge as a student attorney in family practice with the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, which provides free representation to low-income clients in Greater Boston.

Roque-Coplín acknowledged that he enters the legal profession at a particularly challenging time for the families he wishes to support. However, he and other graduates from the Law School perceive this field as an opportunity for meaningful work.

“By the grace of God, I’ve persevered — I’m here,” Roque-Coplín shared. Regarding the challenges ahead, “I’m anxious, I’m thrilled, and I genuinely feel that nothing can halt me.”

A star’s moment

As the official ceremonies of Commencement Day came to a close, families assembled on the steps of Widener Library for photographs with their graduates.

Elio Kennedy-Yoon demonstrated notable patience with the numerous variations of family photos: his three siblings, individually and together; his father, then grandfather; his girlfriend; and finally, the entire family together.

You might attribute Kennedy-Yoon’s recent brush with fame as an actor and singer in Din & Tonics, the College a cappella group. Just last year, he made a sensation online with a viral solo rendition of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana.” Fan art, mashups, and the group’s world tour followed.

Post-Commencement, Kennedy-Yoon donned two sashes: one celebrating his Asian American heritage and another for LGBT pride.

Even prior to that viral moment, the past five years have been transformative for Kennedy-Yoon.

First, a gender transition during the pandemic, and a dramatic relocation from Utah to Cambridge.

“I cherish Utah, but the community can be quite conservative. I genuinely discovered a community here that’s very welcoming, very diverse.” (Among that community was Kennedy-Yoon’s girlfriend, a few years older — and “the love of my life,” he stated with a grin.)

Nevertheless, as a queer Asian American with some online prominence, he has struggled with hostility or mockery. When Donald Trump was elected president for the first time, Kennedy-Yoon was 13. In this turbulent spring, he mentioned it feels like a long time spent in strife with the country’s political leadership.

This has intensified the University’s opposition to the Trump administration’s actions.

“In a strange way, I’ve never felt prouder to be a Harvard student than right now,” Kennedy-Yoon remarked. “That we’re advocating for academia, for knowledge, for truth… and opposing tyranny.”

Reflecting on his journey, Kennedy-Yoon celebrates his personal strength.

Ready to begin

When Annabeth Tao was pursuing her undergraduate studies in design at UCLA, she served as a research assistant for a professor focused on computer game animation. Throughout her year at Harvard’s Ed School, she deepened her understanding of how students learn, which she intends to integrate into a startup aimed at creating interactive games to foster student creativity in STEM disciplines.

Upon her arrival on campus in the fall, enrolled in the Ed School’s Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology master’s program, Tao had a nebulous plan to employ the arts to enhance education. Throughout her academic journey, she honed that ambition, in part through discussions with her peers. In fact, some of her greatest memories at Harvard stem from collaborative brainstorming sessions with classmates.

She acknowledged she may need to seek employment while launching the startup, but expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to introduce creativity into a domain often perceived as analytical and dichotomous.

“I aim to merge pedagogy with imaginative methods so that it becomes a dynamic learning experience for children,” Tao stated, adding that the nonprofit will likely offer consultancy to schools regarding STEM education. “I’m endeavoring to juggle everything and organize it all.”

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