We know that like us, many of you would prefer not think about the proximity of our impending graduation, but we would like to at least put Class Day on your radar screens. On June 5th, one day before Graduation, the entire Class of 2002 will assemble for a period of collective reflection on their HBS experience. The following is a preliminary schedule for the day:
Class Day – Wednesday, June 5th
9:00am – 5:00pm
Commencement ticket pick-up at MBA Student & Academic Services, 2nd floor of Spangler Hall (bring HBS ID)
2:30 – 4:00pm
Class Day ceremony on Baker lawn, including faculty awards, student speaker, and guest speaker
4:00 – 5:00pm
Faculty speech in Burden Auditorium for guests of graduating students
4:00 – 6:00pm
Section reunions in your old section classrooms for graduating students
9:00pm – 1:00am
Late Evening Graduation Gala for students, guests, and families (details to follow)
Faculty Awards
Although started in 1997, the Faculty Awards have already become an integral part of the Class Day tradition. The honors are bestowed upon teachers who have made a particularly exceptional contribution to the HBS experience. Since their inception, these awards have carried a significant degree of prestige and recognition to faculty members.
This year the awards will be given to two required curriculum (RC) and two elective curriculum (EC) teachers. In order to ensure fairness, the winners will be selected by having the greatest number of votes relative to the number of students taught. The Class of 2002 will be asked to take part in an online election during the first week in April. In past years, over 95% of the graduating class participated in the awards selection, using the following six criteria when they voted:
Inspiration: transfers their passion for the subject matter to the students
Knowledge Transfer: makes difficult course material accessible to all students through clear explanations and demonstrated relevance
Accessibility: available to students outside the classroom on a personal and professional basis
Career Guidance: helps to identify industry contacts and evaluate potential career options
Quality of Life: helps to improve the quality of life on campus
Feedback: provides feedback that contributes to professional and personal development
Student Speaker
One member of the Class of 2002 will be elected to speak at our Class Day event on June 5th to reflect on life at HBS from a student’s perspective, as well as the road that lies ahead. Every member of the Class of 2002 is eligible to compete. During the first round of competition, each candidate will speak for 3 minutes in front of a panel of volunteer judges representing each section in the class. The first round speakers will be judged on their ability to address their audience (Class of 2002), presentation skills, creativity, and overall general impression.
The top ten finalists will enter the second round of competition. Each student will speak for 5 minutes and will be judged by the entire Class of 2002. The Class Day Committee will be emailing more details regarding this process shortly.
Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker has recently accepted an invitation to join us for Class Day, and will be introduced through a Harbus article with our elected student speaker in late April. Our guest speaker was chosen from a list of impressive individuals and we are sure you will appreciate their contribution to our ceremony.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding Class Day, please feel free to contact any of the Class Day Committee members:
Kevin Mohr (OI), Kyra Danilchick (OF), Brad Statts (OB), Erin Russell (NC), Darren Jackson (NH), Sal Khan (ND), Hash Gillani (OA), Annemarie Jensen (NI), and Kelly Diamond, Associate Director of Student and Academic Services.
