This year marks Harvard's 369th Commencement, and while we must be separated at this moment of celebration, the spirit of community has never been stronger. On Thursday, May 28, we will celebrate that spirit and much more as we come together virtually to honor the graduation of the Class of 2020 and to confer their hard-earned degrees. We will live stream this event, and after, each School will host their own online ceremony.
Once it is safe to do, we plan to host an in-person celebration. By then, we will be eager not just to celebrate our graduating students, but also to recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices that so many have made to ensure the well-being of our community.
Social Support: Wherever you are, celebrate the Class of 2020 as they prepare to graduate by sharing advice, words of encouragement, or simply congratulations via a short tweet or video message. Share your message on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtags #WeAreHarvard and #Harvard20—and tag @harvardalumni! The HAA will be collecting, retweeting, and sharing everything we see.
Support our new graduates and our students
There are a number of ways alumni can help students and recent grads as they navigate the shifting landscape. Please help if you can!
- Crimson Careers: If your organization is hiring, has an internship opportunity, or a short-term project available, please post it on the Crimson Careers Job and Internship Database. Alumni can post openings for free and there is an option to promote remote work. Need help posting an opportunity? Email ocsjobs@fas.harvard.edu.
- Firsthand Advisers: The OCS Firsthand Advisers platform provides scheduling and connection tools to facilitate “flash mentoring.” Alumni can offer 30–60 minutes to engage in a mock interview, review a resume or CV, or have a career chat. Public service mentors are in particular demand. Need help registering? Email ocsrecep@fas.harvard.edu.
- HAA Alumni Directory: Update your profile and contact information so students interested in your field or area can find you. Graduating students regularly use the Alumni Directory this time of year to source contacts and opportunities. Log-in is via HarvardKey.
- Harvard Serves Everywhere: Share opportunities for student volunteers to work or serve remotely through this platform administered by the Harvard College Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship. Current opportunities submitted to the platform target a variety of community needs, including supporting virtual learning for youth, providing legal intake support for vulnerable communities, blood and supply drives, research or technical support, and helping neighbors through local mutual aid networks. Whether you share existing Club or SIG efforts or source new opportunities, it’s a great means of connecting students to local service opportunities. Questions regarding your submission? Contact publicservice@fas.harvard.edu.