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Rowling gives Commencement address at Harvard; watch via the web 
JUNE 5, 2008 at 7:58 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: Various
We previously
told you that Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling would be the principal speaker at this year's Harvard Commencement ceremony, where she will also receive an honorary degree and for those not lucky to attend you will be able to watch the event via the school's web site starting at 2:15 p.m. this afternoon. Video and text of J.K.'s speech will appear here later this evening.
JKR arrived at Harvard yesterday evening to attend a reception at Loeb House before the annual dinner for honorary degree candidates. Professor Maria Tatar, who teaches a course on childhood, said:
Just because she’s not doing the nitty-gritty of the economy or politics doesn’t mean that she’s not bringing something to the table that’s very powerful.
Additionally, it is being reported that fans are paying up to $50 for "free" tickets on the black market to hear J.K. Rowling speak at Harvard.
Thanks to TLC and the Harvard Crimson for the news.
UPDATE: Pictures from the event can be seen below:
UPDATE II:A little snippet from Jo's speech can be read below and you can go here to read the whole thing:
Actually, I have wracked my mind and heart for what I ought to say to you today. I have asked myself what I wish I had known at my own graduation, and what important lessons I have learned in the 21 years that has expired between that day and this.
I have come up with two answers. On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure. And as you stand on the threshold of what is sometimes called ‘real life’, I want to extol the crucial importance of imagination.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Reader Comments (41)
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Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8201
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Truly a unique experience. Particularly for any who want to go into writing or have an effect on people or the media. The venue may lend itself to some interesting insights and tidbits.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST
Witch
Points: 761
Linakekei says:
Gosh, now I wish I went to Harvard.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 11:22 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2401
Bullrunner says:
It would be great to graduate from Harvard and see Ms. Rowlings address. When I graduated college I have no idea who our speaker was.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 25735
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
woohoo!
Hopefully I remember to watch tonight, ha ha.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2004
PHOENIX5625 says:
I really would like to see what JKR has to say. She is not a bad choice, who was a single mother who could not pay for heat in her apartment and now one of the richest people in the world. She has a great story to tell.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 1:40 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2502
School Governor says:
That was agreat speech, I am sure the class of 2008 will go on to do great things. I hope they remain humble and grateful for the chance they have earned, and enjoy their lives too.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 5:41 PM EST
Prof. of Cultural Literacy
Points: 4219
PowerGranger says:
I decided to read the speech, rather than view JKR on video, for some reason, and I have to say, having just finished reading it, I have tears in my eyes! Like Jo, I have no recollection of my own commencement address, but I'm sure I'll remember many of the points she made today at Harvard, take them to heart, and act on them. I hope all of the grads that heard her words today (and all of us who later read or heard them) do too.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 9:21 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2101
phoenix_feathers says:
I will admit, when I went and read Jo's speech, my eyes grew tearful. She has a beautiful way of communicating in such simple words the feelings that we all experience and yet could never manage to voice. God bless her.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 9:23 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2305
mad_eye muggle says:
Good God!I read her whole speech and it was amazing.Truly all inspiring and very moving.Indeed,she's a wonderful speaker.You go JK!
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 474
Harry Potter bookworm says:
I just read (and heard) the speech.
...Wow. It was spoken so eloquesntly and beautifully. It's no wonder she's a famous novelist. Kinda intimidating for aspiring authors, though :8 .
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 10:40 PM EST
Student
Points: 244
NicoleHalliwell says:
"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."
Thanks Jo. She opened my eyes to this. I have to realize that we have magic inside ourselves already. Human beings already have power and the magic that can make a difference in the world. We just need a little guidance and a little push( well I kind of need a shove :laugh out loud:)
I want to be a writer and she gives me inspiration. Every day I fear that I am going to fail at this. Her speech was beautiful and gave me strength.
Posted Jun 5, 2008 at 11:45 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 308
Jehess says:
Damm thats a pretty good speech u RoCk jKr!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 3:36 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1679
Bright Eyes says:
It's such a shame that some people didn't want her to speak... :(
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 3:56 AM EST
Antipodean Snow Goddess
Points: 2870
Tikihaha says:
I'm glad that she mentioned that it's OK to be a "failure"!! That's what I learnt from my university degree - I didn't end-up with a job in my chosen field but I still enjoy what I'm doing regardless.
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 4:13 AM EST
Squib
Points: 173
x_loony_lovegood_x says:
I would have paid more than $50 for a ticket.....it must have been an amazing experience. When I graduate all I'll get is my school headmaster!
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 6:02 AM EST
Witch
Points: 516
accio_kim says:
She has such eloquence that I absolutely admire. It would just be magic to hear her speak!
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 6:12 AM EST
Student
Points: 239
HRHDS says:
An absolutely brilliant, inspriring and honest speech. i loved how she talked about the benefits of failure, she created such a realistic atmosphere yet still created something so hopeful and inspiring speech. I feel content and immensely pleased as i listened through the videos. her fame and fortune clearly hasnt made her arrogant or blinded by her status. she was down to earth and ever so humble. she is a remarkable women who deserves everything that she posseses, she has worked beyond wat i would have ever though possible. i applaud her.
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 8:24 AM EST
Sirius's Veil Thrower
Points: 4462
SiriusBlacksGodDaughter says:
J.K. Rowling was hilarious and amazing in this commencement address at Harvard.
~Drish~
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 4:14 PM EST
I Am Queen of My Castle
Points: 2476
Hecate3fold says:
As soon as I started reading this I couldn't help but think that she was going back to Hogwarts to give her speach in the Great Hall. In a way she is.
Blessings! Hecate3fold!
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 6:37 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1600
~Harry's true love~ says:
I find is simply amazing how she captures everyones attention. She has such a way with words and so modest at the same time. Her wittiness made you want to hear more and more. She is a true insperation.
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 7:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1474
ALLI8 says:
Wow! She's awesome i want her to come to my highschool graduation!! That is something those Harvard Grads will remeber for the rest of their lives, that's so cool.
I'm Jealous!!
alli8
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 9:36 PM EST
Squib
Points: 136
Basilina says:
That was an absoulutly beautiful speech. I will remember it forever.
Posted Jun 6, 2008 at 10:02 PM EST
Student
Points: 253
Twilight princess midna says:
That speech was incredible, truly beautiful & unique. She is a true inspiration to all people.
Posted Jun 7, 2008 at 5:03 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 1
hmabrams says:
What a great speech. Once again Jo shows why she will go down in history as one of the great authors and philosophers like Mark Twain. She sees and understands life and experiences the way we all wish we could. The ability to make us want to be better people is not a common gift and one that all of us who love her books should cherish greatly.
Posted Jun 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM EST
Points: 122
elfyears18 says:
Truly remarkable.
:']
She has a gift.
Posted Jun 8, 2008 at 1:41 PM EST
Furry Little Problem
Points: 3754
Juicybit says:
Whoa. It's amazing. Simply amazing. I have just finished reading and watching it (I read it while the video was downloading as it took ages) and I have tears in my eyes like many of you did. Everybody should read this. I'm going to send out links to friends (and enemies, haha).
And she must carry on writing. She's still got a lot to say.
Posted Jun 8, 2008 at 6:44 PM EST
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