Harvard’s history is rich with trivia, but how well do you really know the university? This quiz, part of the 2026 Commencement series celebrating Harvard’s 375th graduation, challenges your knowledge of the institution’s 390-year legacy.<\/p>\n
Question 1: What is the nickname of the John Harvard Statue, located in Harvard Yard? Options are Big Harv, The Statue of Three Lies, The Founder\u2019s Foot, and Shiny John.<\/p>\n
Question 2: How many main gates does Harvard Yard have? The choices are 8, 12, 21, and 25.<\/p>\n
Question 3: Identify the oldest building in Harvard Yard. Is it Massachusetts Hall, Wadsworth House, Holden Chapel, or Sever Hall?<\/p>\n
Question 4: In the 19th century, Harvard briefly adopted which color for its school? Options include Navy, Mahogany, Magenta, and Copper.<\/p>\n
Question 5: True or false? All Harvard students are technically required to pass a swim test.<\/p>\n
Question 6: At Harvard College’s first Commencement in 1642, how many degrees were granted? The answers are 1, 9, 53, and 430.<\/p>\n
Question 7: Although Harvard’s first Commencement was 384 years ago, 2026 is only the 375th ceremony due to nine instances when it was skipped. Why didn’t it occur in 1644? Was it due to a smallpox outbreak, a rare summer snowstorm, or no eligible graduates?<\/p>\n
Question 8: Who was the first woman to be awarded an honorary degree from Harvard? The options are Susan B. Anthony, Georgia O\u2019Keeffe, Helen Keller, and Marie Curie.<\/p>\n
Question 9: Who is traditionally responsible for calling Commencement to order? Is it the president of the University, the governor of Massachusetts, the rector of Boston\u2019s Old North Church, or the Middlesex County sheriff?<\/p>\n
Question 10: True or false? On Commencement Day, Harvard students are barred from wearing silk nightgowns.<\/p>\n