SPEAKER : Last summer , in a grand celebration of literature , Harvard Square and Harvard Yard , historically known as the place for hallowed halls filled with books , was transformed into Hogwarts Square .
[ CHEERING ] This summer festival celebrated the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , the seventh and final installment One part of a series of books in the wildly popular series .
Hordes A very large number of people or animals of people , children and adults alike , dressed in elaborate Very detailed and complicated wizard costumes , stood in line for hours at the Coop to purchase copies of the book .
Dozens of restaurants and stores stayed open late and posted Harry Potter - themed specials .
And a three - hour concert capped off the evening in a packed Tercentenary Theatre .
Today , Tercentenary Theatre is once again packed with children and adults .
And we are pleased to welcome one of the most successful authors of our time .
Her books have set sales records and have won many awards , probably because the Harry Potter stories provide a familiar backdrop for readers who can empathize To understand and share the feelings of another person. with the young protagonist The main character in a story adrift in
a sometimes cruel and challenging world .
In addition to her vast contributions to literature , she is also noted for the social , moral , and political inspiration she has given her fans .
A notable philanthropist A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others , she has established the Volant Charitable Trust , which donates millions of dollars to aid women and children and to combat poverty and social inequality .
The - - [ APPLAUSE ] The Fund also gives to organizations that aid children , one - parent families , and multiple sclerosis research .
She herself has noted that a person has a moral responsibility , when you've been given far more than you need , to do wise things with it and to give intelligently In a way that shows good judgment and understanding. .
And now I give you Ms . JK Rowling .
[ CHEERING , APPLAUSE ] JK ROWLING : Thank you .
[ APPLAUSE ] President Faust , members of the Harvard Corporation and the Board of Overseers , members of the faculty , proud parents , and , above all , graduates , the first thing I would like to say is
Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honor , but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured To suffer something unpleasant or difficult without complaining or giving up. - - [ LAUGHTER ] - - at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose
weight - - [ LAUGHTER ] [ APPLAUSE ] - - a win - win situation .
Now all I have to do is take deep breaths , squint at the red banners , and convince To make someone believe firmly in something or to persuade them to do something. myself that I am at the world's largest Gryffindor reunion .
[ LAUGHTER ] [ CHEERING ] Delivering a commencement address is a great responsibility , or so I thought until I cast my mind back to my own graduation .
The commencement speaker that day was the distinguished Successful British philosopher Baroness Mary Warnock .
Reflecting on her speech has helped me enormously To a very great degree in writing this one because it turns out that I can't remember a single word she said .
[ LAUGHTER ] This liberating discovery enables me to proceed - - [ LAUGHTER ] - - without any fear that I might inadvertently Without intending to influence you to abandon promising careers in business , the law , or politics for the giddy Causing a feeling of excitement and happiness that makes you feel slightly dizzy or lightheaded. delights
of becoming a gay wizard .
[ LAUGHTER ] [ APPLAUSE ] You see , if all you remember in years to come is the gay wizard joke , I've come out ahead In a more advanced position or in a better situation than others. of Baroness Mary Warnock .
[ LAUGHTER ] [ APPLAUSE ] Achievable goals - - the first step to self - improvement .
Actually , I have racked 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 have expired To come to an end between that day and
