The scene builder at Commencement
Imagine spending an entire year coordinating a centuries-old, internationally broadcast event hosting world-renowned leaders, with more than 32,000 people in attendance. Now imagine that there’s no dress rehearsal. For the past 20 years, working under the auspices of four Harvard presidents and two University marshals, Commencement Director Grace Scheibner has been responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the Harvard Commencement Morning Exercises, the largest event held on campus every year. “I start the day after Commencement,” Scheibner said. “When you think of all the groups of people that have to come together — the degree candidates and their families, members of the administration, faculty, alumni, honorands, and special guests — it’s almost like a big movie set. Except here, there’s no rehearsal and no re-take. It has to be perfect, and it has to be flawlessly timed. When it comes to logistics, there can be no ambiguities.” Coordinating a complex event...