President Bacow praises students in his final Baccalaureate address
President Larry Bacow saluted the strength and mettle of the Class of 2023, whose years at the College were marked by the far-reaching disruption of the pandemic, in his final Baccalaureate address Tuesday at Tercentenary Theatre. “The last four years tested my most basic assumptions about our mission and our community — how both are sustained and strengthened in the face of incredible upheaval,” Bacow, who will step down next month after five years leading the University, told graduates. “Every stepping stone I assumed would be there was swept away. Every predetermined outcome I took for granted was reconsidered. And, in turmoil, I rediscovered the point of this place — and how very much it is the people who define the University — our students, faculty, and staff. “I hope that no other Harvard College class will ever have to experience what you did. But I also believe — and I know...