‘We acknowledge your presence here’

Alan Garber vividly remembers his arrival on campus as a fresh student in 1973.

The University president conveyed to the Class of 2029 during his Convocation speech Monday afternoon that it becomes evident to everyone that Harvard is a unique establishment that presents nearly limitless chances to investigate and pursue any academic interests or passions students have.

However, he advised the group that they should be mindful not to overlook the one asset that might very well prove to be the most significant and lasting — one another.

“Every one of you is here to instruct while you absorb knowledge,” Garber, an economist, physician, and healthcare policy specialist, told the students, faculty, and others assembled at Tercentenary Theatre. “You are here to exchange your experiences and viewpoints so that our community can be one where everyone feels welcomed, every idea receives fair consideration, and all beliefs are held in esteem.”

Taking place just before classes commence each fall semester, Convocation acts as the University’s formal greeting to first-years, signaling the beginning of their new chapters as undergraduates. Harvard officials spoke to the students, imparted some timeless wisdom about College life, and shared some of the University’s values, history, and traditions.

Garber informed the class that they possess two traits: All are outstanding students, and all are “capable of making intriguing and unconventional choices, not always the ones that others might elect.”

This spirit of openness and innovation emerges from a particular perspective, he stated: “You reject ‘either/or.’ You are the type of ‘both/and’ individuals that this institution has nurtured, empowered, and celebrated through its rich history.”

Although the initial semester of College is both thrilling and somewhat intimidating, Garber urged students to resist retreating to the familiar. Instead, he advised them to welcome discomfort and seek out new acquaintances and experiences that challenge them, “regarding the obstacles and difficulties you face as invitations to grow and ultimately to thrive.”

Reflecting on his own undergraduate challenges at Harvard, Garber recalled a classmate who initially appeared bold and intellectually daunting. However, after he let go of his misconceptions about the classmate and took a risk, the two soon became friends, later roommates, and remain close companions today.

“Some of these relationships will develop effortlessly and require minimal maintenance. Others will necessitate concerted effort to flourish. Those will be the connections that evolve in unpredictable ways — leading to discussions and disagreements, conflict and resolution, growth and transformation,” Garber expressed. “Those are the ones worth pursuing diligently, as they will enrich your understanding and broaden your horizons.”

The University’s 31st president remarked that many of the students “had to overcome numerous hurdles to join this class. I recognize that some of you feared you might not be able to make the journey here — might not have the chance to be part of our community. We are thrilled to welcome you.

“Harvard would not maintain its identity without inquisitive, ambitious students from across the nation and around the globe,” he stated to rousing applause.

In his inaugural appearance as the new Danoff Dean of Harvard College, David Deming, Ph.D. ’10, encouraged students to perceive this era of technological upheaval, with the swift advancements in AI and its implications for their future careers, not with fear but as a significant opportunity to be courageous, dream expansively, and pave new paths.

An economist focused on education policy, Deming previously served as academic dean at Harvard Kennedy School and held the role of faculty dean at Kirkland House before commencing his new position on July 1.

Additional University officials joined Garber and Deming on stage, including the Rev. Matthew I. Potts, Pusey Minister in Harvard’s Memorial Church, who offered the invocation; Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh; Dean of Students Thomas Dunne; and Nekesa Straker, senior assistant dean of resident life and first-year students.

Student musical ensembles the Harvard University Band, the Kuumba Singers, and the Harvard Choruses all delivered performances.

“Today, we commemorate much more than just your commencement here,” Garber concluded at the end of his address. “We celebrate your belonging here.”