Morning Exercises | Harvard Commencement 2019 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Harvard's commencement ceremony honors graduates' accomplishments and encourages them to make a positive impact on the world.

Transcript

(people murmuring softly) (bell tolling) (gentle music) - Welcome to Harvard's 368 Commencement Dan Schrag how wonderful to be with you again. I'm Diane Eck, professor of comparative religion and Indian Studies and Dan and I are sitting here high above ringside in Tercentenary Theatre. - Diane Eck, it's great to be here with you again. - It is wond... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 Commencement is a time to celebrate accomplishments and look forward to the future.
• ❓ The diverse backgrounds and experiences of graduates are emphasized and celebrated.
• 👂 Listening, understanding, and embracing different perspectives are crucial for personal and societal growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of Harvard's commencement ceremony?

Harvard's commencement marks the beginning of a new phase in the lives of graduates as they transition from student to professionals. It is a celebration of their achievements and a source of inspiration for the future.

Q: How does the ceremony highlight diversity?

The ceremony emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of the graduates, with students coming from all over the world and representing various cultures, beliefs, and experiences. It acknowledges the importance of diversity in shaping the world and encourages graduates to embrace and celebrate it.

Q: What role do the speakers play in the ceremony?

The speakers, including students and renowned figures like Angela Merkel, provide insights, advice, and inspiration to the graduates. They talk about their own experiences and share wisdom to guide the graduates on their future journeys.

Q: What is the overall message of the commencement ceremony?

The overall message is to recognize the opportunities and privileges graduates have received, to listen and understand different perspectives, and to use their education and experiences to make a positive impact on the world. It encourages graduates to be mindful of the little things they can do to bring about true change.

Summary

This video is a commencement ceremony at Harvard University. The hosts, Diane Eck and Dan Schrag, discuss the excitement and significance of the event. They mention the history of commencements at Harvard, the diversity of the graduating class, and the special moments and speeches that have taken place in the past. They also highlight the presence of Chancellor Angela Merkel as the keynote speaker and her potential to share insights on the current global landscape. Throughout the video, interviews with graduating students showcase their accomplishments and plans for the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of commencement at Harvard University?

Commencement at Harvard University marks the beginning of a new chapter for graduates and is viewed as a momentous occasion. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of the students and anticipate their potential impact on the world.

Q: How many people are graduating today at Harvard?

Over 8,000 students are graduating today at Harvard University, including undergraduates, masters, and doctoral students.

Q: What is the history of commencements at Harvard?

The first commencement at Harvard took place in 1642 and had only nine commencers. Since then, the number of graduating students has grown significantly, with thousands of people graduating today with different degrees.

Q: What is the role of parents and families during commencement?

Parents and families play a crucial role in the lives of graduates, providing support and nurturing throughout their academic journey. Commencement is an important day for them as they witness the culmination of their loved one's efforts.

Q: What is the significance of the robes worn during commencement?

The robes worn during commencement ceremonies represent the institution and the individual's academic achievements. Different colors and designs indicate the specific degrees and institutions associated with the graduates.

Q: Who is Chancellor Angela Merkel and why is she a notable speaker?

Chancellor Angela Merkel is the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a physical chemist turned government official, she has had a profound impact on shaping the modern world. Her speech at Harvard's commencement is anticipated to provide insights into the complex global landscape.

Q: Are there any past commencement speeches at Harvard that were particularly remarkable?

Yes, one notable example is the 1947 commencement speech by George Marshall, the then Secretary of State. His speech laid out the vision for the Marshall Plan, which aimed to help Europe recover after World War II. This plan ultimately won him the Nobel Peace Prize and changed the world.

Q: How does Harvard connect with the world outside its campus?

Harvard University is known for its connections to the wider world. Its faculty members and students come from diverse backgrounds and engage in various fields and disciplines. The university's global reach is reflected in its partnerships, research, and educational programs.

Q: How does Harvard's house system contribute to the sense of community?

Harvard's house system breaks down the large university into smaller, more manageable communities. Each house becomes a multi-generational community that includes undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty members, and house deans. The faculty dean of a house helps set the tone and spirit of the community.

Q: What is the procession like during the commencement ceremony?

During the commencement ceremony, the faculty, president, deans, overseers, and corporation members march through the ranks of undergraduates, who line the path. This procession symbolizes the hierarchical structure of the university and allows for a special interaction between faculty and students.

Takeaways

Commencement at Harvard University is a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a new chapter for graduates. It is a time to celebrate their achievements and anticipate their potential impact on the world. The presence of Chancellor Angela Merkel as the keynote speaker adds excitement and anticipation for her insights on global affairs. The diversity of graduates and their accomplishments showcase the wide-ranging impact Harvard has on shaping future leaders. The house system fosters a sense of community and provides a supportive environment for students. Lastly, commencement speeches at Harvard have historically had profound effects on the world, making this year's ceremony especially notable.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Harvard's 368th commencement celebrates the beginning of new journeys for thousands of graduates, who are filled with excitement and potential.

• The ceremony includes various speeches, including those from students and renowned figures like Angela Merkel, to inspire graduates to shape the world and pursue their passions.

• The diversity among the graduates, their diverse backgrounds, and the opportunities they have been given are emphasized throughout the ceremony.

• The importance of listening, understanding, and being open to different perspectives is emphasized, as it is crucial for personal growth and societal progress.