BOSTON -- June 5, 2003 – For the 93rd time since it was founded in 1908, Harvard Business School students received diplomas, marking for most the end of two years of study in the MBA program. Dean Kim Clark awarded 882 Master in Business Administration degrees and two Doctorates in Business Administration in an outdoor ceremony this afternoon on the School’s Boston campus.

Earlier in the day, at a convocation in Harvard Yard marking the University’s 352nd Commencement, MBA candidate Elizabeth ("Lea") Carpenter presented the graduate student oration, "Auden and the Little Things," to an estimated 10,000 people assembled in the Tercentenary Theatre. Carpenter was one of only three students (including two undergraduate orators) chosen to participate in the Thursday morning ceremony [Video].

Among the 882 MBA degree recipients, forty-three -- the top 5 percent of the Class -- graduated with high distinction as Baker Scholars (named after the School’s first benefactor, George Fisher Baker). An additional 48 received their diplomas with distinction in the top ten percent of the Class.

During Class Day ceremonies on Wednesday, Procter & Gamble CEO Alan G.("A.G.") Lafley (MBA 1977)imparted "Ten Things I Wish I Had Known at Graduation" to the MBA candidates (full story). MBA-degree candidate Brendan McGeever delivered the student Class Day address (full story).

In addition, visiting Finance professor Marc Bertoneche; Technology & Operations Management assistant professor Frences Frei; Professor David Moss of the Business, Government and the International Economy unit; and Marketing associate professor Narakesari (“Das”) Narayandas were honored by the Class of 2003 for teaching excellence in the MBA Program.