Good morning, everyone. It’s my solemn honor to speak with you in this place and on this day, September 11th, 2026, on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the deadliest act of terrorism ever perpetrated on American soil, and the deadliest single terror attack in modern history.

Hi everyone, my name is David Deming, and I am the Dean of Harvard College. I’m honored to give morning prayers here in Appleton Chapel, this beautiful sanctuary where so many members of our community come together to feel God’s love.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, it is my sincere honor to welcome you to Harvard College, and to the beginning of an incredible four years and – just as important – a lifetime affiliation with this incredible community.

Tomorrow is a very special day. You will be joining a solemn ritual that has taken place here at Harvard for 370 years. Commencement ceremonies are formal and ritualistic, for good reason.

Hello everyone! And thank you, President Garber, for your words of inspiration and wisdom. My name is David Deming, and I have the honor of serving as the Danoff Dean of Harvard College. On behalf of the faculty and staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you back to Cambridge.

My name is David Deming, and I am the new Dean of Harvard College. I’m really honored to have the opportunity to give morning prayers here in Appleton Chapel, this beautiful sanctuary where so many members of our community come together to reflect on the wisdom of the Bible and to feel God’s love.

Hello, Class of 2029! On behalf of the faculty and staff, it is my sincere honor to welcome you to Cambridge, welcome you to Harvard College, and welcome you to what I hope and expect will be the journey of a lifetime.