More than 1,400 Harvard Extension School (HES) graduates participated in the University’s 375th Commencement Thursday, joining the broader Harvard community for a ceremony that proceeded despite brief periods of rain throughout the morning.

Graduates assembled in caps and gowns as families filled available viewing areas across Harvard Yard. The intermittent weather drew umbrellas from the crowd and did little to dampen the mood of graduates.

DCE Dean Nancy Coleman addressed the unique path most HES students travel to reach Commencement, telling graduates, “You arrive at this moment after a number of years that have been anything but ordinary — years marked by global uncertainty, rapid technological change, and a world still finding its footing after a pandemic.”

Coleman reiterated through the message of perseverance, saying the road to HES often has more obstacles and detours, and at times, frustrating pauses along the journey. But “No matter what route you took to get here,” Coleman said, “you may not have known this is where you were headed — until you arrived. That journey defines us and unites us all.”

Dean of Academic Programs Suzanne Spreadbury highlighted the demographic breadth of the graduating class — students who earned degrees across more than 30 fields of study, represented 48 U.S. states and 50 foreign countries, and ranged in age by more than six decades. “When I look at all of you today, I see 1,400 intellectual journeys,” Spreadbury said, “each one commendable and, together, nothing short of awe-inspiring.”

The class included 24 active military members and 57 veterans. Among the undergraduate degree recipients was Rosie Rines, 79, who completed her ALB degree — a degree she first began pursuing 40 years ago.

Speaker Prize Renamed to Honor Late Administrator

The ceremony included the formal renaming of the Commencement Speaker Prize to the Andrew J. Engelward Commencement Speaker Prize, honoring Assistant Dean of Academic Programs Andrew Engelward, PhD. ’99, who passed away late last year after more than 25 years of service to Harvard Extension School.

Engelward joined Harvard through the Mathematics department before becoming Director of the Math for Teaching Program at HES and was eventually promoted to HES Assistant Dean of Academic Programs. Dean Spreadbury credited him with bringing consistent empathy, academic rigor, and dedication to adult learners throughout his tenure.

Engelward’s wife, Bevin Engelward, ScD ’96, joined Dean Spreadbury on stage for the dedication. She spoke briefly about the academic regalia she wore — a garment she and her husband had shared over the years — and described him as “an extraordinary teacher and devoted leader” who was deeply inspired by the students he served. Members of the Engelward family, including his two sons and parents, were also present.

The inaugural Andrew J. Engelward Commencement Speaker Prize was awarded to Theo Rowley, an ALM graduate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, for his address titled “They Moved The Door.”

Dean Coleman closed the ceremony with a charge to graduates. “Be the person in the room who asks the better question, who seeks the fuller truth, who never stops learning — and who never lets anyone underestimate what education can do.”