Harvard University

Claudine Gay’s Inauguration

Join us in celebrating Harvard’s 30th president and explore nearly four centuries of leadership at the University.

In conversation with Claudine

Meet our president

Claudine Gay talks about her vision for the presidency, what she’s learned from students, and the best concert she’s ever been to.

Connecting with the community

Since her presidency was first announced, Claudine Gay has been engaging with the Harvard community through a campus-spanning ice cream social, a welcoming move-in day, a reflective Morning Prayers, and an empowering Class of 2027 Convocation.

Past inaugurations

Explore the history of Harvard’s presidents

Larry Bacow

“It is up to us to leave our country and our world a better place tomorrow than it is today.”

Explore Harvard’s 29th inauguration

Drew Faust

“It is a time to reflect on what Harvard and institutions like it mean in this first decade of the 21st century.”

Explore Harvard’s 28th inauguration

Lawrence Summers

“[W]e will—and we should—be judged not by what we have, but by what we do …”

Explore Harvard’s 27th inauguration

Presidential pop quiz

Test your knowledge of Harvard’s presidential history.

Which of these individuals served as Harvard's first president?
Correct! In 1640 Dunster was invited to be the “President of the Colledge,” although he was not formally installed with an inauguration. Learn more about Harvard’s presidential history.
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Which of these is NOT presented to the president upon their inauguration?
Correct! Upon their inauguration, the president is presented with historic insignia, including three seals of the University, the Harvard Charter of 1650, two silver keys, and the earliest College record book. Learn more about Harvard history.
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What is the longest term served by any of Harvard’s presidents?
Correct! Harvard’s longest-serving president, Charles William Eliot, was also its youngest. Eliot was inaugurated in 1869 at 35 years old and remained in the position until 1909. Learn more about Harvard’s presidential history.
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Which building houses the office of Harvard’s president as well as 14 lucky first-year undergraduate students?
Correct! At 303 years old, Massachusetts Hall is Harvard’s oldest-surviving building—older than the United States itself! Over the years, Massachusetts Hall has served as a dormitory, an army barracks, a lecture hall, an observatory, and administrative offices. Learn more facts about Harvard’s campus on an official tour.
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In 1909, President A. Lawrence Lowell established which Harvard school as an open-enrollment evening program for the Greater Boston Community?
Correct! The Harvard Extension School was established in 1910 with the goal of offering a college education for those only able to attend part-time. Today, more than 14,000 students attend the School, which grants more than 800 degrees and 1,000 certificates every year. Explore all the degrees offered at Harvard Extension School.
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What are the two names for the ceremonial chair used by Harvard’s president?
Correct! Believed to have been made in England or Wales between 1550 and 1600, The Holyoke Chair (also known as The President’s Chair) was purchased for Harvard by 9th President Edward Holyoke in the mid-1700s. It is stored in the Fogg Museum between use at Inauguration, Commencement, and other convocations. Learn more about the chair.
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