One of the earliest recipients of an honorary degree from Harvard University was George Washington. A portrait of him by Gilbert Stuart is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The degree was bestowed on April 3, 1776, shortly after the Continental Army expelled the British from Boston, a pivotal moment in the War for…
As part of Harvard’s 375th Commencement, three graduating students will deliver speeches at Tercentenary Theatre, continuing a long-standing tradition. Kiesse Nanor will present the Latin Salutatory, Andrew O’Donohue will give the Graduate English Address, and Noah Eckstein will deliver the Senior English Address. Kiesse Nanor’s fascination with the ancient world began at age 12 when…
Cynthia W. Rossano, a key figure behind Harvard’s Commencement Day bell tradition, will not hear them this year, as she passed away on March 21, 2026. Rossano was crucial in starting this tradition in 1987. In honor of Harvard’s 375th Commencement, bells will ring across Cambridge and at the nation’s oldest university. On Thursday, for…
Graduate and professional students aiming for academic careers often express eagerness to teach but lack clarity on how to acquire and demonstrate teaching experience on their CVs or dossiers. Due to the varying availability of TA opportunities across different programs and budget periods, departments and teaching centers can offer equitable pathways by creating small, credible…
In today’s digital education landscape, faculty members teaching online may struggle to create meaningful connections with students. As someone who primarily teaches in-person undergraduate courses, I focus on curating my classes to facilitate student connections. I encourage collaborative project work and regular peer feedback. Students generally respond well to these interactions, enjoying collaboration and class…
During the Baccalaureate address, Harvard President Alan Garber encouraged the Class of 2026 to pursue meaningful challenges despite the rise of artificial intelligence. Speaking as part of the 375th Commencement series, Garber emphasized the importance of personal effort in an era increasingly influenced by AI. Garber noted that the advent of AI technology, such as…
On Tuesday morning, Sanders Theatre was alive with poetry, music, speeches, and awards as the unofficial start of Commencement week took place. This event marked the 234th literary exercises of Harvard University’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, recognizing the highest-achieving juniors and seniors by inducting them into one of the oldest academic societies in the United…
I attended the (Re)Imagining Liberal Arts & STEM Education in the Age of GenAI conference at Harvey Mudd College on May 21-22, 2026. The keynote speaker, Alex Hartemink, a professor at Duke University, titled his presentation “What should we know about AI?” He discussed AI fluencies and awareness, posing questions like, “Is AI truly intelligent,…
Future-ready skills encompass personal, social, and cognitive abilities that allow students to effectively engage with others and handle real-world challenges. These skills, distinct from academic or technical knowledge, emphasize communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional management. Developing these skills is crucial for students to become independent and responsible. They enable learners to articulate ideas confidently, form…
Graduate and professional students aiming for academic positions often express to mentors their eagerness to teach but uncertainty about gaining experience or showcasing it on their CVs. Due to varying TA opportunities across programs and budget constraints, departments and teaching centers can offer equitable pathways by structuring small, credible experiences that provide tangible evidence. Coordinated…
