Commencement by the Numbers

Commencement. Caps and gowns, tassels and diplomas, speeches and tears. As each graduate steps onto the stage, they will capture both the pride and attention of family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of those they love. Whether it is a child, grandchild, sibling, cousin, spouse, or best friend, for many guests, the spotlight will be shining on a single individual.

With their attention devoted to that special grad, most guests will hardly give a second thought to the meticulous details and hustle and bustle surrounding them. Nevertheless, it is important to note, today’s ceremony will not only bring together the achievements of numerous graduates — both master’s and doctoral — but also the efforts of countless individuals who tended to the infinite details required to make this event possible.

A behind-the-scenes look paints a picture by numbers and reveal just what comprises this annual event:

• 673: Number of graduates who will be honored today, joining the 13 November graduates and 14 March graduates for a total of 700 graduates in the 2010–2011 class.
• 42: Number of years separating the birthdates of the oldest and youngest graduate, with respective ages of 63 and 21.
• 74: Percent of degrees that will be awarded to women.
• 23: Number of countries represented by this year’s graduating class.
• 17: Number of graduates from China, which is second only to the United States as country of origin.
• 41: Number of states, including the District of Columbia, that will be represented by the graduates.
• 1: Number of graduates who will also be celebrating their birthday today.
• 4,000: Number of chairs that will be assembled and programs that will be printed for the ceremony — a number determined by student responses.
• 767: Number of water bottles purchased to be placed beneath chairs in the tent.
• 100: A minimum estimate of the total number of HGSE staff volunteers involved.
• 16: Number of student Commencement Marshals that will help direct graduates during the ceremony.
• 5: Number of months spent planning and preparing for HGSE Commencement, with efforts — spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs with a 12 person committee — beginning in January.
• 74: Forecasted temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for today’s ceremony.

For full coverage of Commencement 2011, visit http://wpdev.gse.harvard.edu/news-impact/tag/commencement/.