Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

JK Rowling to Speak at Harvard Commencement

Hogwarts creator will get honorary degree

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2008 4:54 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Harvard students will get a Hogwarts send-off at their spring commencement this year, reports the Crimson, with Harry Potter author JK Rowling as the keynote speaker.  "Perhaps no one in our time has done more than JK Rowling to inspire young people to experience the excitement and the sheer joy of reading,” said the university's president.

Rowling, who is purported to be the first author to earn more than $1 billion, will also get an honorary degree from Harvard at the June graduation. Her seven-book series has sold more than 375 million copies since 1997, and has been translated into 65 languages. Hundreds of Harvard students lined up at a local bookstore to buy her seventh book the day it was released last summer.

Author J. K. Rowling signs a copy of her book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007. Rowling will speak at Harvard's 2008 commencement. (AP Photo/Bill Haber,File)
Author J. K. Rowling signs a copy of her book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007. Rowling will speak at Harvard's 2008 commencement. (AP Photo/Bill Haber,File)   (Associated Press)
British writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, poses for photographers, prior to a reception in central London, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007. Rowling will speak at Harvard's 2008 commencement. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
British writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, poses for photographers, prior to a reception in central London, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007. Rowling will speak at Harvard's 2008 commencement....   (Associated Press)
Harry Potter books. Author J. K. Rowling will speak at the 2008 Harvard commencement.
Harry Potter books. Author J. K. Rowling will speak at the 2008 Harvard commencement.   (Getty Images (by Event))
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Rowling
Wikipedia

Harvard's Commencement site (still showing 2007 material)
Harvard University

 
Harry Potter • JK Rowling • reading • author • book • Harvard • Harvard Crimson • Hogwarts • commencement speech

More Newser Stories

Meyer: the New JK Rowling

Rowling Casts Spell at Harvard

Don't Get Comfy, Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Murdered Heiress?

Dumbledore Sparks Fight for Real-World Justice
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne