Commencement Day is the biggest annual event on Harvard's campus, marking another class of students' right of passage. Thousands of students from every Harvard school, along with proud supporters of family, friends, faculty, and staff, packed the sun-soaked Harvard Yard and Tercentenary Theatre for a celebratory morning.

This year's Commencement featured special moments such as the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife and Drum, alum Conan O'Brien returning to his alma mater to give the Commencement Address, and more. The Harvard College Class of 2026 included over 1,500 students representing 50 concentrations.

Valediction

The Commencement Exercises began with Valediction. After each Harvard House processed to the Philips Brooks House Association courtyard, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, David Deming, offered words of encouragement to the grads and reminded them of everything that led to that moment.  

"You came to Harvard from different places, with different hopes, different doubts," he said. "You arrived as individuals, but over these years, you became something more. You became a class. You left your mark. You asked hard questions. You cared about each other. You made Harvard smarter, livelier, funnier, and more human."

"Class of 2026, thank you. Truly, thank you. We will miss you dearly, but with affection and great hope, we send you along your way."

The Procession

As everyone gathered in front of Tercentenary Theatre, students began their procession from Harvard Yard to their seats, greeting those along their route who have been there for them throughout their time at Harvard. 

Senior Smiles

Graduates reveled in the exciting spirit of the day, taking time to celebrate with their friends, pose for photos, and cherish the moment as it all unfolded.

Speakers, Singers, & Special Guests

A star-studded lineup of Harvard and Hollywood guests took the microphone for special moments throughout the program. Harvard College students Samuel Hines '29 and Gabrielle Greene '27 performed "Wheels of a Dream" from the Broadway musical, 'Ragtime', to honor singer and actress Audra McDonald, who received an honorary Doctorate of Arts degree. Physics concentrator Noah Eckstein '26 served as the Senior English Orator, and Economics and Classics concentrator Kiesse Nanor '26 served as the Latin Salutatorian.

Comedian and Harvard alum Conan O'Brien '85 ended the program with the Commencement Address. "I really understand how much hard work it took for you all to get to this point. You should feel enormous pride, just as I did on my Commencement day," he said. "Your real education starts now, with friends you've made and friends you get to meet, with stunning successes and miserable defeats, and with a humble acceptance that your greatness comes from the mess around you, not despite it."

House Ceremonies

Commencement Day concluded with the handing out of diplomas at each Harvard House. In this more intimate setting, the graduates were able to celebrate more personally with their loved ones, and their House families. Between cheers, each student crossed the stage beaming from their accomplishments, and at becoming Harvard's newest alumni.