The splendid tapestry of Commencement

Jon Chase

Harvard Staff Photographer

May 26, 2016

3 min read

Photos show the many sides of Harvard’s celebratory ritual

The 1,661 members of the Harvard College Class of 2016 graduated on Thursday, each with a unique story of toil and triumph through what many will look back on as the most tumultuous, challenging, and satisfying four years of their lives. For some graduates, it’s the story of another diploma in a generations-long legacy, with high expectations reinforced from birth. For others, it’s the story of the first-ever family member to progress past high school, the culmination of a parent’s dream realized through years of juggling child care and working arduous double shifts.
Photographs make visible the range of emotions felt on this day. Shrieks of exuberance, tears of joy, looks of quiet gratitude, and eyes wide with awe all show on the faces of these graduates. Photos, too, confirm their diversity, representing all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and 51 countries, as well as the Oneida Nation within this country. Including the graduate schools, there were 7,727 degrees awarded. The grads are Muslim and Jew, Christian and Buddhist, raised on Park Avenue and in a cabin in the Appalachians, ranging in age from 16-70 (in the Extension School). They are bonded by their Harvard experience and woven together in the splendid tapestry that is Commencement.

The Class of 2016 celebrates Commencement week. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Seniors joined by President Drew Faust (right) gather to process to their Baccalaureate Service in Memorial Church. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

The Class of 2016 gets into place before a class photo is taken on the steps of Widener Library. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer

Seniors flow out of Memorial Church. Rose Lincoln/Harvard Staff Photographer

James Clarke (center) is commissioned and pinned by his family at the ROTC commissioning ceremony in Tercentenary Theatre. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Class Day Exercises featured speaker Rashida Jones ’97 (right), who posed for a selfie with students on the stage. Rose Lincoln/Harvard Staff Photographer

Harvard Business School graduates cross Weeks Bridge on their way to the 365th Commencement Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre. Rose Lincoln/Harvard Staff Photographer

Graduates pause for a photo while passing the John Harvard Statue. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Seniors process into Memorial Church for the senior service. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

The honorary degree recipients pose for the annual group photo outside Massachusetts Hall. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

President Drew Faust greets graduates in the procession line. Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer

Ikaika Ramones ’16 (left) and Kimiko Matsuda Lawrence ’16 await the procession into Tercentenary Theatre. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer

The sheriff of Middlesex County brings Commencement to order. Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer

Honorary degree recipient Steven Spielberg is photographed by Mary L. Bonauto, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer

Harvard Law School graduates celebrate. Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer

Graduates are pictured during the Morning Exercises. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Ivie Tokunboh (right) is photographed with Eunice Kim after receiving her degree at the diploma presentation and luncheon at Winthrop House. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Kirin Gupta (right) shares a moment with her mother, Devika, after she receives her diploma. Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Commencement speaker Steven Spielberg (from left) gives his oration during the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) in Tercentenary Theatre. Harvard President Drew Faust and Bill Lee look on. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer

Leon Starr ’40, 97 years old, is the oldest male graduate attending the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) in the Tercentenary Theatre. Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer