J.K. Rowling to Speak at Harvard Commencement June 5, 2008

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J.K. Rowling to Speak at Harvard Commencement June 5, 2008

J.K. Rowling

Posted by: Sue

January 17, 2008, 06:23 PM

J.K. Rowling will be the principal speaker at the Harvard Commencement ceremony June 5, 2008. The Harry Potter author will be featured at the prestigious university’s 357th graduation ceremony this summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts and will also receive an honorary degree. The president of Harvard said:

“Perhaps no one in our time has done more than J.K. Rowling to inspire young people to experience the excitement and the sheer joy of reading,” said President Drew Faust. “Her tales of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and their Hogwarts adventures have cast a spell on millions of readers around the world. Harvard isn’t exactly Hogwarts, but I’m sure that her visit with us next June will be a moment of magic for J.K. Rowling’s many admirers across the University.”

“It will be an honor and a thrill to welcome J.K. Rowling to Harvard,” said Jonathan Byrnes, president of the Harvard Alumni Association. “There are countless Harry Potter devotees throughout the Harvard family, and we look forward to warmly welcoming one of the world’s best-read authors to our Commencement festivities.”

Harvard University is renown for having some of the leading figures of our time speak at their graduation ceremony each year; a full list of past speakers can be found here.

Thanks E!

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70 Comments

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Sweet! Good choice, Harvard.

Posted by Arithmancer on January 17, 2008, 01:38 PM report to moderator

Congrats to Jo! I wish I knew someone who goes to Harvard though.

Posted by emily on January 17, 2008, 01:38 PM report to moderator

Oh that is so nice! I’m a little jealous, but not too much… I had Bill Clinton speak at University of Michigan’s ceremony last April. That was pretty neat :)

Posted by ~*Cynthia*~ on January 17, 2008, 01:43 PM report to moderator

Land Quidditch in Harvard Yard??? Naaaa, just can’t see that!!!!

Posted by budb on January 17, 2008, 01:43 PM report to moderator

Cool! Good choice, Harvard.

In my head im freaking out a little bit (OMFG JO IS GONNA BE IN MY STATE ONLY AN HOUR DRIVE FROM MY HOME MAYBE I CAN GO OR SOMETHING).

Posted by Emily on January 17, 2008, 01:50 PM report to moderator

Dang, I wish I was graduating from Harvard instead of UNLV. Any chance you want to make a commencement speech in Sin City Jo?

Posted by Erica on January 17, 2008, 01:54 PM report to moderator

Wow, that previous speakers list has a thick spread of prime ministers and presidents around the world. What a list to join. A find the entry of John Lithgow rather amusing though in comparison but well done to him too anyway. But more importantly, congrats to Jo and I am sure she will be using the platform to elevate awareness to her charities. Isnt it time though that she be made and OBE or MBE or even Dame There are lesser achievers (though still deserving) who have been made Dame.

Posted by Professor Potter on January 17, 2008, 02:05 PM report to moderator

NOT FAIR!!! I want Jo to speak at my graduation! My friend at Harvard will lord this over me for eternity… Having Jo at your college commencement ceremony is pretty darn close to the most amazing life experience any normal-ishperson could ever hope to have!

Posted by Tracy on January 17, 2008, 02:06 PM report to moderator

I knew there was a reason that I should have gotten better grades in high school!

Posted by Greenfire on January 17, 2008, 02:13 PM report to moderator

Hahahahahahaaa!!! I can see a lot of uppity professors and authors who’ve critizised her in the past sucking on lemons right now. Eeexellent. ^_

Posted by TAD on January 17, 2008, 02:19 PM report to moderator

My brother goes to Harvard! Wow! Now I’m excited.

Posted by Grace Weasley on January 17, 2008, 03:01 PM report to moderator

I just freaked out about this. ahhhh Jo is going to be in the same state as me!!!

Posted by Emily on January 17, 2008, 03:01 PM report to moderator

I have to say that is a very good list of books!!! Congrats Jo!!!

Posted by Sasha on January 17, 2008, 03:07 PM report to moderator

opppsss last post was suppose to be for pervious article!!!