Administrators Greet Class of 2017 at Convocation

The class of 2017 gathered Monday afternoon to hear messages of encouragement and community imparted by some of Harvard’s most senior faculty.

Forecasted thunderstorms forced freshmen to congregate in Sanders Theater and Memorial Church to hear the fifth annual convocation ceremony, simulcasted between both venues.

The tone of the speeches simultaneously challenged students to both integrate themselves into the greater community and remain undeterred by fear of failure.

“The path to knowledge is humility,” said University President Drew G. Faust. “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Michael D. Smith encouraged students to pursue their goals without reservation, a message that he has emphasized in years past.

“Don’t compare; connect,” he said, reiterating that comparisons can lead to self-doubt and that connections are what set the Harvard community apart from other colleges.

Donald H. Pfister, interim dean of Harvard College, spoke of getting a D in his German class freshman fall, underscoring the importance of pursuits beyond academics. “In coming to this college, you have done more than well in school,” said Pfister. “You have joined a community.”

While the speakers were alternately broadcasted from Sanders Theater and Memorial Church, students seemed unaffected by the division of their class.

Katie W. Steele, director for freshman programming, noted that this class was particularly cohesive, especially considering students were unable to attend the visiting weekend for incoming freshmen because of the Boston Marathon bombings. Instead, they participated in a “virtual Visitas” and have been very active on the Class of 2017 Facebook group, according to Steele.

“We’ve noticed that this class really turns out for things, they seem enthusiastic about being here,” she said.

As students fanned themselves with their programs in a packed Memorial Church, some forced to stand, the Kuumba singers were projected onto a screen on the steps in front of the altar.

Erin D. Drake ’14 spoke of how one’s college career can involve a change of plans, both academically and internally. She emphasized being flexible enough to learn from experiences and take advantage of resources.

“What are you going to do with the privilege of attending Harvard College?” she posed to the audience.

The Holden Choir and the Harvard Band also performed and led the class in a jubilant rendition of “Fair Harvard,” joined by faculty and alumni. As the class of 2017 gathered indoors to unfurl their class banner, students grinned with palpable excitement.

“We bring you here to create the conditions for serendipity,” said Faust. “Don’t cling to the familiar. Let the next four years be spent learning how to fail, or at least how to be imperfect.”

—Staff writer Anneli L. Tostar can be reached at anneli.tostar@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @AnneliTostar.