It’s hard to believe spring term 2025 is already coming to a close. Over the last three months, students at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) have organized and participated in a rich schedule of events and activities, including celebrations, concerts, and awards recognizing faculty mentors. This year, in addition to programming from the Harvard Griffin GSAS Graduate Student Council (GSC), student groups, and the Student Center Fellows, graduate students enjoyed events hosted by the President’s Building Bridges Fund, including conversations on complex, multidimensional issues.
Here's a look back at the spring term—and a look forward to how students can get involved in the year ahead.
Harvard Griffin GSAS Graduate Student Council
The GSC is the elected student government for our school. In addition to advocating for students and processing grants to students and student groups, the GSC closed out the academic year with many celebratory moments.
On March 27, students, their nominated faculty, family, friends, and school administrators gathered for the Everett I. Mendelsohn Excellence in Mentoring Awards Ceremony, during which five faculty members were recognized for their excellent advising and mentorship. (Learn about this year’s winners and see photographs from the event on Engage.) Interested in working on the Mendelsohn Awards next year? Email the GSC chair of recognition.
On May 3, the GSC gathered to thank leaders, including resident advisors, as well as those from student groups and departmental groups, at the annual Student Leadership Banquet. The evening included speeches from Harvard Griffin GSAS Dean Emma Dench, Dean of Students Lakshmi Clark, Irene Anthony, the GSC chair of support, and Victor Arul, the GSC vice president. During the red-carpet-themed event, student leaders played trivia, participated in a reverse raffle, and enjoyed musical performances by members of the Student Center Orchestra. (See photos on Engage.) Interested in helping to organize this event next year? Reach out to the GSC chair of events.
Finally, as part of the sendoff for graduating students, the GSC also chose this year’s Commencement marshals—eight students who have greatly contributed to building community at Harvard Griffin GSAS. (Look out for these folks at the head of the Harvard Griffin GSAS procession to Harvard Yard on Commencement Day.) Interested in helping choose the marshals next year? Email the GSC chair of recognition.
Student Center Fellows
The fellows’ programming year ended with large annual events that brought together students from across Harvard Griffin GSAS to dance, sing, and play music.
On April 12, students gathered among the sprays of flowers and got their groove on during the Student Center’s spring dance party, Bachata in Bloom. The event included dinner, drinks, crafts, a photo booth, Bachata dance lessons, and music provided by a DJ. (View photos of the evening on Engage.) Interested in attending the winter and spring dance parties next year? Make sure you join the Student Center Social Fellows organization on Engage!
Also this spring, the Student Center music ensembles performed their end-of-term concerts: jazz on April 26, choir and world music collective on April 27, and the orchestra on May 4, which was also part of Harvard Arts Festival. Interested in joining the choir and world music collective or orchestra next year? Join their Engage organizations and watch out for calls for auditions and first meetings in the fall. Questions about Student Center Fellows? Reach out to the Student Center Squad.
Student Groups
From lectures to lunches, discussions about faith, board game nights, charity 5K races, panels, cupcake decorating, social gatherings, and more, student groups at Harvard Griffin GSAS provided opportunities for students to connect all term long. Interested in joining or creating a student group? Contact the Student Center squad.
President's Building Bridges Fund
Launched by President Garber’s office this spring, the President’s Building Bridges Fund’s goal is to promote a culture at Harvard that fosters community between affinity groups and encourages constructive dialogue on interfaith and/or intercultural issues. Harvard Griffin GSAS students lead two out of the four initiatives chosen.
One of the projects sought to foster intergroup collaboration and intellectual vitality through a cooperative online quiz game, Tango, developed in Psychology Professor Josh Greene’s lab. Harvard Griffin GSAS students gathered on April 24, to play the online game, sip boba tea, and compete against Harvard College for the most points and prizes. Over 350 students participated! Learn more about Tango.
Student leaders in the Harvard Griffin GSAS Science Policy Group were also chosen to host several important discussions. The Policy Bridges: Fostering Constructive Dialogue Across Ideological Divides events brought together experts with different views for small and large discussion groups. The events provided a space for constructive conversations that help bridge ideological gaps, promote mutual understanding, and identify common ground on pressing policy matters. Students gathered on April 22 for the Climate Edition event on Earth Day and on May 1 for the Technology event. If you would like to know more about these events or the Science Policy Group’s other efforts, you can join their Engage organization or reach out to group leaders.
Dialogues Across Difference
Spring term programming also included two initiatives that brought students together for professional development. The focus of one was difficult conversations; the other, a multifaith exhibit.
As part of Graduate Student Appreciation in April and the FAS Civil Discourse initiative, the Student Center coordinated with the Harvard Ombuds Office to host the Brave Conversations event. During this lunch on April 30, students and staff gathered to learn about how to have productive, challenging conversations—and to practice those skills in different scenarios.
Also, this spring, the Memorial Church team worked with Harvard students to create the Interfaith PhotoVoice project, which culminated in an exhibit of photos and essays in Lehman Hall’s Café Gato Rojo. The project allowed students to share their experiences and perspectives related to religion, ethics, and spirituality.
But Wait, There’s More . . .
As classes and exams end, there are still more events for students at Harvard Griffin GSAS. Check out the Engage Events page, follow the Student Center Instagram account, or browse posters in Lehman Hall. Fun upcoming events include:
May your spring term wrap up successfully and give way to a rejuvenating summer in which you continue to #FindYourCenter!
