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Tiffany Onyeiwu ’25 creates bubbles during the 374th Harvard University Commencement in Tercentenary Theatre.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Campus & Community
To fearlessly venture
Class of ’25 embarks on new horizons
Over 9,000 individuals from the Class of 2025, representing all Schools of Harvard University, gathered in Harvard Yard on May 29 for the 374th Commencement Exercises.
The graduates, primarily dressed in black robes and accents of crimson, made their way into Tercentenary Theatre. Families, friends, and supporters occupied the steps of Widener Library, extending across the Yard.
Some graduates donned vibrant stoles and transformed their mortarboards into expressions of wisdom and motivation — “I Believe in Myself”; “Look at Me Go”; “She Made It Happen.” Students from Harvard Kennedy School threw beach ball globes into the air. The Law School brandished gavels.
Sunlight broke through the overcast skies as the graduates listened to author and physician Abraham Verghese deliver the primary Commencement address from in front of Memorial Church.
“Graduates, the choices you make in the future when under stress will reflect your character, while also influencing and changing you in surprising ways,” Verghese stated. “Make your choices worthy of those who supported, nurtured, and sacrificed for you: your parents, partners, family, and ancestors.”
Harvard University President Alan Garber (center) processes toward Tercentenary Theatre.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Graduates proceed past Widener Library.
Photo by Grace DuVal
Peter Koutoujian (center), sheriff of Middlesex County, calls the assembly to order.
Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer
Rakesh Khurana confers degrees for the last time as Danoff Dean of Harvard College.
Photo by Grace DuVal
Graduates from Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences rejoice.
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
Alexandra Nebel sports a hand-stitched hat to commemorate Commencement.
Photo by Grace DuVal
Graduates from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health raise red hand clappers, honoring hand washing as a foundation of public health.
Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer
Rita Moreno (center) beams during the awarding of honorary degrees.
Photo by Grace DuVal
Richard B. Alley displays a thumbs-up after being awarded an honorary degree.
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
Commencement speaker Abraham Verghese acknowledges applause following his honorary degree award.
Photo by Grace DuVal
Graduates form a line to collect their diplomas at Eliot House.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Family members watch and document the diploma presentation ceremony at Eliot House.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Graduating seniors pause for reflection during the valedictory for the Class of 2025.
Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer
Facing the stage in Tercentenary Theatre, a banner adorned with the Veritas shield embellishes the columns of Widener Library.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
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