Harvard’s Class of 2015 Graduates Share Their Inspiring Stories and Future Plans
A series of profiles showcases some of Harvard University’s stellar graduates
Saheela Ibraheem
Ibraheem arrived at Harvard at 16, graduates at 20
Saheela Ibraheem was accepted to Harvard College at age 15, and arrived at 16. She took ultra-tough Math 55. She was a teaching fellow for Harvard’s largest class, CS50. She introduced President Barack Obama at a reception in March. Now, she is graduating at just 20.
Elizabeth Leimkuhler
Leimkuhler’s love of the stage and of biology blended perfectly
The talented actress, who after graduating from Harvard College will head to Broadway, said that her love for the stage and her interest in science complemented each other perfectly during her undergraduate years.
Afam Nduaguba
Nduaguba, a Nigerian immigrant, worked hard for both family and future
Afam Nduaguba worked two jobs to support his family, toiling days in a pharmacy and nights as a security guard — and sometimes getting beaten up for his trouble. Harvard Medical School was so far removed from his teenage expectations, it wasn’t even a dream.
Samantha Noh
Noh connected to the distant past during her archaeology digs in Harvard Yard
Graduating senior Samantha Noh spent her undergraduate years looking for buried treasure in Harvard Yard: a sherd of a drinking vessel, a shard of a wine glass, or an embossed brass button — all remnants of Harvard’s Indian College.
Fadumo Dayib
When she graduates, Dayib plans to run for president of Somalia
Fadumo Dayib was born in Kenya, the daughter of uneducated Somali parents. Her father, a truck driver, and her mother, a “nomad,” had left Somalia to start their new life together in neighboring Kenya.
Michael Mancinelli
Mancinelli found a place where here football met astrophysics
Michael Mancinelli not only excelled on Harvard’s varsity football team, his last two seasons as starting left guard, he was Academic All-Ivy as an electrical engineering concentrator with a secondary in astrophysics.
These excerpts are from a series of profiles showcasing some of Harvard University’s stellar graduates. Read our full Commencement coverage in the Harvard Gazette.
