‘Who we are and what we stand for’
Surgeon, best-selling author, and public health leader Atul Gawande delivers the Alumni Day keynote address. Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer Campus & Community ‘Who we are and what we stand for’ Abbie Barrett Harvard Correspondent June 10, 2025 6 min read Amid Harvard Alumni Day celebration, speakers address challenges, share messages of strength and resolve Part of the Commencement 2025 series A collection of features and profiles covering Harvard University’s 374th Commencement. Thousands of alumni from around the world gathered on campus Friday for Harvard Alumni Day — an annual event celebrating alumni of all Harvard Schools and class years and the collective strength of their communities. The day’s events, which coincided with Harvard and Radcliffe College reunions and other alumni programs across the University, drew a record 9,600-plus attendees this year. The festivities included musical performances, the presentation of the Harvard Medals, and a keynote address by renowned surgeon, best-selling author, and public health leader Atul Gawande, M.D. ’95, M.P.H. ’99. The...