As big fans of graduation ceremonies, CeremonialSupplies.com is honored to share with you the rich history and traditions of the esteemed institution, Harvard University. Consulting old manuscripts, passers-by, and nay and yeah sayer’s, we have compiled a first-person point of view re-telling of Harvard’s First Graduation Ceremony, carpet and ceremonial ribbons were prominently used in an effective creation of tradition, and the man responsible for the lasting connection with exclusivity, power, and Skulls and Bones, would tell us this, from his first-hand account experience. He is John Harvard, the Dean and namesake of Harvard University:
As the first Dean of Harvard University, I am honored to share with you the history and traditions of our beloved institution. My name is Dean John Harvard, the namesake of Harvard University. I did not attend any prominent European universities. In fact, there is limited information available about even my formal education. I was born in Southwark, London, in 1607, and little is known about my early life and educational background prior to my arrival in the American colonies. My highest known connection to European universities is primarily through my family’s academic and intellectual pursuits; my father, for example, was an innkeeper who valued education and I received a basic education in England before immigrating to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 1630s.
Upon arriving in this great land of opportunity, I became involved in the burgeoning Puritan community and contributed to the establishment and development of Harvard University which had its humble beginnings in 1636 when it was founded as "New College" in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, it was in 1639 that I, John Harvard, made a significant contribution to the university when it was failing, by bequeathing my library and half of my estate to the institution, prompting its renaming as Harvard College in my honor, some people believe this suggests a connection to Cambridge University in England, but I haven't told anybody one way or another, and would rather you decide.
The first graduating ceremony of Harvard students was organized in 1642, three years after my generous donation. The ceremony took place in the quaint and historic surroundings of Harvard Yard, where the university's earliest buildings stood as a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and enlightenment. For this momentous occasion, the color choices for ceremonial carpets, ribbons, and banners were carefully considered to reflect the values and aspirations of Harvard University. Carpets, stanchion ropes and extra-wide ribbon banners and accessories in deep shades of crimson, symbolizing courage, passion, and intellectual vigor, were chosen for the graduation ceremony, representing the bold pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of academic inquiry that defines our institution.
Ceremonial ribbons in gold and silver were used to adorn the podium and ceremonial artifacts of Harvard University’s first graduation ceremony, signifying the honor and prestige associated with graduating from Harvard College. Banners with intricate designs in crimson and gold showcased the university's emblem and motto, "Veritas" (Truth), underscoring our commitment to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Among the most notable Harvard graduates during its first 20 years were:
Increase Mather:
A prominent Puritan minister, theologian, and educator, Increase Mather graduated from Harvard in 1656. He later served as President of Harvard College and played a significant role in shaping its early academic curriculum and religious teachings.
Cotton Mather:
The son of Increase Mather, Cotton Mather was a prolific author, theologian, and influential figure in colonial New England. He graduated from Harvard in 1678 and went on to become one of the leading voices in Puritan theology and public discourse.
Samuel Sewall:
A distinguished judge, writer, and public official, Samuel Sewall graduated from Harvard in 1671. He is remembered for his involvement in the Salem witch trials and his later advocacy for social justice and abolitionism.
John Leverett:
A prominent colonial leader and educator, John Leverett graduated from Harvard in 1657. He served as President of Harvard College and played a key role in expanding the institution's academic offerings and reputation.
Looking back from today to Harvard's first graduation, the symbolism of crimson ceremonial carpets still represents the university's foundation and enduring values of courage, passion, and intellectual pursuit, remains a hallmark of Harvard's identity, evoking the spirit of academic excellence and innovation that has defined our institution for centuries. The use of gold and silver in ceremonial ribbons and banners continues to signify honor, prestige, and the pursuit of truth, reflecting Harvard's commitment to scholarship, integrity, and leadership in the academic world.
Through the years Harvard University has created and nurtured a reputation of exclusivity and prominence and has a rich history of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, however there have been some infamous individuals associated with the institution who have been even more prominently infamous. Here are five infamous alumni of Harvard University:
Theodore Kaczynski (The Unabomber):
Theodore Kaczynski attended Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1962. He later became infamous as the Unabomber, responsible for a series of mail bombings that killed three people and injured many others between 1978 and 1995. Kaczynski's anti-technology and anti-industrialization beliefs, outlined in his manifesto, garnered widespread attention and notoriety.
Mark Zuckerberg:
While Mark Zuckerberg is not infamous in the traditional sense, he became a controversial figure due to his role in the creation of Facebook and subsequent issues related to privacy, data security, and misinformation on social media. Zuckerberg attended Harvard but dropped out to focus on developing Facebook, which has faced scrutiny and criticism over various ethical and regulatory concerns.
Jeffrey Skilling:
Jeffrey Skilling graduated from Harvard Business School in 1979 and later became the CEO of Enron Corporation. Skilling's involvement in the Enron scandal, which involved accounting fraud and corporate misconduct of unprecedented levels, led to the collapse of Enron in 2001 and one of the largest corporate scandals in history. Skilling was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy.
John Forbes Nash Jr.:
John Nash, portrayed in the film "A Beautiful Mind," attended Harvard University and made significant contributions to mathematics and economics. However, Nash's life was marked by struggles with mental illness, including schizophrenia, which affected his personal and professional life. Despite his achievements, Nash's story highlights the challenges of mental health and the complexities of genius.
Yair Netanyahu:
The son of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attended Harvard University for his undergraduate studies. Highly criticized for his above-the-law privileges, such as mandatory military service conducted as "spokesperson" for IDF, Yari Netanyahu is now reportedly trying to become the Consul for Israel in Miami, FL. Netanyahu studied at Harvard from 2010 to 2013, majoring in international relations. His time at Harvard garnered attention due to Israel’s dominance of all world media outlets.
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