Seeking Class Day Speakers!
The 2021 Class Committee is now seeking submissions for the Harvard Oration, Ivy Orations, and Class Ode, as well as nominations for the Ames Award from members of the Harvard College Class of 2021. Please see the descriptions of each below. Note that you can apply for more than one.
The Harvard Oration
The Harvard Oration is a time to reflect on our journey over the past four years for the Harvard College Class of 2021. This speech is intended to be a chance to commemorate our experience with a few words and stories that will resonate with the class. This is also an opportunity to look forward as a class and ponder how our journey will continue.
The speech should be no longer than five minutes. One student will be selected to give the Harvard Oration. Apply here by Friday, March 5. As part of the application, you will be asked to submit the text of your speech, as well as a video recording of you performing part of your speech, no longer than one minute in length.
The Ivy Oration
The Ivy Oration is a time to laugh and smile about our journey over the past four years. It is a chance to take a more light-hearted approach to Commencement Week. This speech is intended to weave humor into a reflection of our college experience. It is an opportunity to share memories and inside jokes with the class, many of which we will fondly take with us.
The speech should be no longer than five minutes. One student will be selected to give the Ivy Oration. Apply here by Friday, March 5. As part of the application, you will be asked to submit the text of your speech, as well as a video recording of you performing part of your speech, no longer than one minute in length.
The Class Ode
The Class Ode is an original composition of two verses set to the tune of Fair Harvard. The lyrics should be reflective in some way of our college experience, but they need not choose between a reflective tone or a humorous tone. A successful composition may be one that weaves the two tones together to create a particularly engaging piece. The odists are responsible for arranging any musical accompaniment, though this is not required but rather strongly encouraged. This Class Day performance can be done in a group of people, and the composition can cover a wide range of topics and ideas.
Apply here by Friday, March 5. As part of the application, you will be asked to submit the lyrics as well as an audio recording of you or your group performing it.
The Richard Glover Ames and Henry Russell Ames Award
The Ames Award is given to seniors who have shown heroic character and energy with helping others and whose substantial contributions may not have been acknowledged. This prestigious honor is granted to two members of the senior class during the Class Day Exercises. The goal of this award is to honor two unsung heroes of the class.
On June 19, 1935, Richard Glover Ames and Henry Russell Ames, brothers and Harvard students, gave their lives to save their father, who was washed overboard during a storm off the coast of Newfoundland. Every year since, the Ames Award has been given in their memory to recognize two seniors who have shown energy in helping others and who exhibit the same heroic character and inspiring leadership of the Ames brothers.
Members of the Harvard community should nominate individuals in the form of a letter or email. These letters or emails will be the sole basis of our decision, so please be as specific as possible and provide us with as much relevant information about your nominee or nominees. Send nomination emails or attached letters to haa_collegealumniprograms@harvard.edu by Monday, March 1.