Omanghana
Photo by Schuyler Velasco
Kiesse Nanor, a 26-year-old Ghanaian-born American scholar and musician, has been selected as the Latin Salutatorian for Harvard University’s 375th commencement ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026. Her selection places her among only three students chosen to deliver keynote addresses at the prestigious university-wide graduation event, and she is the only female student speaker included in this year’s commencement lineup.
In keeping with one of Harvard’s oldest academic traditions, Nanor’s address will be delivered entirely in Latin, continuing a centuries-old Ivy League custom that dates back to the institution’s earliest commencement ceremonies. Her speech, titled “Harvardianus Esse,” which translates to “To Be a Harvardian,” blends humor, satire, and classical language to reflect on student life at Harvard in a lighthearted and relatable way.
Rather than focusing on political controversies or global headlines often associated with elite universities, Nanor’s speech reportedly centers on the everyday experiences that define college life for many students. Using playful and exaggerated Latin phrasing, she gently mocks the gap between the public perception of Harvard as an intensely serious academic institution and the ordinary realities experienced by students on campus. Her remarks celebrate simple moments such as laughing with roommates, spending quiet nights studying in libraries, and participating in beloved campus traditions like Housing Day.
Nanor graduates from Harvard College with a joint concentration in economics and classics, combining expertise in modern economic systems with deep knowledge of ancient civilizations and languages. She possesses advanced proficiency in Latin and ancient Greek and has also studied elements of ancient Egyptian language and culture, reflecting a rare interdisciplinary academic profile that bridges classical scholarship and contemporary social sciences.
Beyond academics, Nanor has built an impressive reputation in music and the arts. Born into a musically gifted family, she began playing the piano at the age of three and later refined her training during her years at Phillips Exeter Academy. While in high school, she formally studied piano performance at the New England Conservatory of Music and went on to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall.
At Harvard, Nanor continued to combine leadership, music, and campus involvement. She served as music director for the Din & Tonics, Harvard’s celebrated all-male jazz a cappella ensemble known internationally for its performances and tours. Shortly after graduation, she is expected to join the group on a world tour. In addition to her musical contributions, she also worked extensively as an arts writer for The Harvard Crimson, covering cultural and artistic life within the university community.
Her selection as Latin Salutatorian has drawn widespread praise from students, faculty, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora, with many highlighting her unique blend of intellectual achievement, artistic excellence, and cultural versatility. The role of Latin Salutatorian remains one of Harvard’s most distinguished commencement honors, reserved for students capable of delivering eloquent speeches in classical Latin while representing the spirit and academic traditions of the university.
As Harvard prepares to mark its 375th commencement anniversary, Nanor’s address is expected to stand out not only for its classical linguistic style but also for its warm and humorous reflection on the shared human experiences that unite students regardless of status, nationality, or academic prestige.
Source: Omanghana
