Harvard University President Alan Garber received thunderous applause during the institution’s commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025, as he delivered remarks that appeared to challenge the Trump administration’s policies targeting the university.
The graduation took place amid an unprecedented battle between Harvard and federal authorities over international student enrollment and research funding cuts.
Thousands of graduates, families, and faculty members rose for a nearly one-minute standing ovation when Garber took the stage at Tercentenary Theatre in Harvard Yard. The moment marked a fierce show of support for the university president during what many described as a turbulent year for the institution.
Garber welcomed attendees from down the street, across the country, and around the world, emphasizing “Around the world, just as it should be.” This statement, which many interpreted as a direct response to Trump administration efforts to restrict international student enrollment, earned him an extended standing ovation from the audience.
The ceremony occurred while Harvard faced significant pressure from federal authorities. In April 2025, the Trump administration sent the university a list of demands regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, international student admissions, and handling of pro-Palestinian protests. After Harvard refused to comply, the institution became a target for additional government actions.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ended Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, though a federal judge temporarily blocked this move on May 23. On May 27, Trump canceled all remaining government contracts with Harvard, cutting approximately $100 million in federal research funding. The president suggested on May 28 that Harvard should cap its foreign enrollment at 15 percent, compared to the current 27.2 percent of international students.
Garber responded to the funding cuts by calling them perplexing, indicating that research funding represents payment for important work the government wants completed rather than charitable gifts. He suggested that cutting such funding hurts the entire country, not just Harvard, and argued that linking these actions to antisemitism concerns lacks logical foundation.
Commencement speaker Dr. Abraham Verghese, a Stanford professor and physician who received the National Humanities Medal from former President Barack Obama, addressed what he termed a besieged community. Verghese praised Harvard for setting an example by leading legal fights against what he characterized as draconian government measures. He commended the university’s decisions under Garber’s leadership as worthy of the institution’s heritage and character-defining.
The physician spoke about government immigration raids and expressed concern for legal immigrants and lawfully present individuals, including international students, who worry about wrongful detention and deportation. As an immigrant himself, Verghese emphasized the appropriateness of addressing these concerns during the ceremony.
Student speakers also addressed the ongoing controversy. Salutatorian Aidan Robert Scully delivered remarks in Latin, stating that neither powers nor princes can change truth or deny that diversity represents strength. Chinese graduate Yurong Jiang shared how meeting classmates from 32 countries helped her understand the world as full of real people with dreams and laughter.
Graduate Thor Reimann acknowledged leaving a campus very different from the one they joined, noting Harvard’s position at the center of a national battle over higher education. While admitting the university is not perfect, he expressed pride in standing with classmates, faculty, and President Garber in defending Harvard’s mission of pursuing truth.
Hundreds of graduating seniors wore white flowers as symbols of support for international students. The display of solidarity came after students held rallies earlier in the week backing their international classmates, with some foreign students expressing fears about attending the ceremony.
The reception for Garber contrasted sharply with experiences at other Ivy League institutions. At Columbia University, acting president Claire Shipman faced boos and heckling from students who criticized her handling of pro-Palestinian protests and the administration’s agreement to Trump administration demands.
Harvard has filed two high-profile lawsuits against the White House since defying Trump administration demands in April. The legal challenges represent part of the university’s broader resistance to federal pressures, positioning Garber as what some observers describe as a national standard-bearer for higher education during this contentious period.
The Class of 2025 graduation ceremony proceeded largely without major disruptions, despite the ongoing political tensions. More than half of Harvard College graduates are proceeding to careers in finance, technology, or consulting, according to university data.
