Commencement
Multireligious Commencement Service
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 3:30 pm, Harvard Divinity School Campus Green
Harvard University Morning Exercises
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 9:45 am, Tercentenary Theatre
HDS Diploma Awarding Ceremony
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 1 pm, Harvard Divinity School Campus Green
The HDS Diploma Awarding Ceremony is a celebration and recognition of each of you and your accomplishments as valued members of our vibrant community. Friends, family, and invited guests come from all over the world to mark this joyous occasion with their loved ones.
You are welcome to wear pins, stoles, and tassels on your robes as well as decorate your mortarboard. Decorated caps should not extend above or beyond the cap’s perimeter to avoid obstructing the sightlines of those around you.
On Commencement Day, graduating students are not allowed to bring signs or other large items into Harvard Yard. In keeping with University-wide practices, we ask that those items also not be brought into the HDS Diploma Awarding Ceremony. Graduating students with young children and service animals may be accompanied by them across the stage.
Please note that Commencement and related ceremonies are subject to the University-wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities and Campus Use Rules, along with other applicable policies found in the HDS Student Handbook. In addition, please review the University’s policy on Commencement. Under these policies, disruptive behavior (such as, but not limited to, speech on stage or chants in the audience) may be subject to review by the HDS Administrative Board.
Thank you in advance for creating a welcoming and memorable experience for all guests on campus during these treasured ceremonies.
More Information
Commencement News
Celebrating the Harvard Divinity School Class of 2026
Harvard Divinity School celebrated the Class of 2026 during the Multireligious Commencement Service on May 27 and the Diploma Awarding Ceremony on May 28.
Meet the 2026 HDS Graduates
Read more about the spiritual, academic, and vocational journeys of some members of the class of 2026.
Finding Common Ground: Ric Keller, MRPL '26, on Embracing Difference
Former Republican U.S. Congressman Ric Keller, MRPL ’26, explored difference both in and out of the classroom at HDS, gathering insights he’ll use to help leaders disagree better without losing trust.
Exploring Belief through Storytelling: Ellie Ashby, MTS ’26, on Religion and Journalism
For graduating MTS student Ellie Ashby, the study of religion is inseparable from storytelling—tracing how faith is practiced, embodied, and understood in everyday life.
Manisha Agarwal, MRPL ’26, on Bridging Spirituality, Ethics, and Business
At HDS, Manisha Agarwal explored the connections between spirituality and business, developing a framework to help business leaders make ethically informed decisions.
From DivEx to MDiv: Ke'Von Singleton, MDiv '26, on Finding Pathways of Leadership at HDS
After three years of formational academic work and ministry experience at HDS, Ke’Von Singleton is poised to lead and serve in a variety of sectors—religious, academic, corporate, and beyond.
Rooted in Community, Reaching into History: Sarah Adegbite, MTS ’26, on Her Academic Journey
At Harvard Divinity School, Sarah Adegbite explored the religious histories of slavery and the power of ritual—and will continue that work at Harvard as a PhD student.
‘Where Hearts and Minds Meet': Sabbi Lall, MDiv ’26, on Her Call to Chaplaincy
Through study of Buddhist and Hindu texts, mentorships with faculty, and affirming ministry experiences, Sabbi Lall’s call to chaplaincy was answered at Harvard Divinity School.
Video: 2025 Multireligious Commencement Service
The 2025 HDS Multireligious Commencement Service was developed by members of the graduating class and featured readings, prayers, music, poetry, and more representing the religious and spiritual traditions of the class of 2025.
Celebrating 2025 HDS Commencement
HDS's rich multireligious identity was on full display during the 2025 Commencement exercises.
Joy Castro-Wehr, MDiv ’25, on Listening to Stories as Spiritual Care
As she prepares to graduate from HDS, Joy Castro-Wehr, MDiv '25, leaves with a unique understanding of spiritual care, one informed by compassionate and creative listening.
Michael Fuhrman, MDiv ’25, on Living a Philosophy of Presence
Michael Fuhrman, MDiv '25, is graduating from HDS with a robust philosophy of presence and listening, one shaped by study and community.