Conan O’Brien, a Harvard alumnus from the class of ’85, greeted graduates filling Tercentenary Theatre. The event was part of Harvard’s 375th Commencement series, showcasing features and profiles of graduates. The ceremony adhered to a traditional dress code, but many graduates added personal touches with accessories, particularly around their necks. Ribbons and stoles symbolizing pride and affinity were common, representing first-generation status, countries of origin, or group memberships like the Harvard Law Review.
Daniel Kocot wore a custom stole, a gift from his parents, reflecting his Mexican and Polish heritage. One end featured Our Lady of Guadalupe, while the other displayed the Polish flag. Kocot, graduating with a B.S. in electrical engineering, appreciated the colorful serape design woven into the stole. Christian Liu, with a degree in computer science, wore a batik pattern representing Singapore. Sarah Adegbite’s stole, featuring a scale icon, highlighted her studies on the history of slavery in Christianity at the Divinity School.
Lucy Zheng, from Shanghai, wore a floral wreath and matching stole, paying homage to the flower-wearing traditions of southern China. Her attire honored the Xunpu fishing village’s zanhua crowns. Twin sisters Cielo and Isa Long, from Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands, wore stoles depicting the Northern Marianan flag. Their family traveled to Cambridge for the ceremony, enduring a 33-hour journey.
The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums joined the procession for the first time, honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Drum major John Nichols, a Harvard environmental officer, led the group dressed in Colonial military attire. Nichols, who has a passion for music and history, found joy in the intersection of these interests through his role with the Middlesex County Volunteers.
Nichols, usually a safety ambassador during Commencement, found leading the procession a unique experience. Meetings for the event planning took place at Wadsworth House, a historic building where George Washington once stayed. Nichols reflected on the significance of discussing the upcoming 250th anniversary in such a historically rich location.
Donna Gibson Stone and Bob Phifer, long-time volunteers for the alumni Committee for the Happy Observance of Commencement, described the day as filled with joy. “It’s a sea of happy faces,” Stone remarked, noting the upbeat atmosphere and the pleasure of participating in the event.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
