Illustrations by Liz Zonarich/Harvard Staff; Harvard file photos
Sure, you might have earned a diploma, but can you earn an A on this quiz?
A collection of features and graduate profiles covering Harvard’s 375th Commencement.
Over its 390-year lifespan and 375 Commencements, Harvard has accumulated a lot of lore. Prove how much you know about America’s oldest university in this quiz.
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1. What is the nickname of the John Harvard Statue in Harvard Yard?
Big Harv
The Statue of Three Lies
The Founder’s Foot
Shiny John
2. Harvard Yard has how many major gates?
8
12
21
25
3. What is the oldest building in Harvard Yard?
Massachusetts Hall
Wadsworth House
Holden Chapel
Sever Hall
4. In the 1800s, Harvard briefly adopted what school color?
Navy
Mahogany
Magenta
Copper
5. True or false: All Harvard students are technically required to pass a swim test.
True
False
6. How many degrees were conferred at Harvard College’s first Commencement in 1642?
1
9
53
430
7. Harvard’s first class Commencement was held 384 years ago, but 2026 marks only the 375th ceremony. That’s because nine Commencements were omitted. Why was there no Commencement in 1644?
An outbreak of smallpox
A freak summer snowstorm
There were no eligible graduates
8. Who was the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Harvard?
Susan B. Anthony
Georgia O’Keeffe
Helen Keller
Marie Curie
9. Who traditionally calls Commencement to order?
The president of the University
The governor of Massachusetts
The rector of Boston’s Old North Church
The Middlesex County sheriff
10. True or false: On Commencement Day, Harvard students are prohibited from wearing silk nightgowns.
True
False
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