Tom Hanks Delivers Inspiring Speech at Harvard Commencement with Wilson Volleyball - Rick Friedman Photography

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Former Vice President Mike Pence receiving the Profiles in Courage Award from Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg at the JFK Library in Boston, May 5, 2025.Mike Pence Receives Profiles in Courage Award from Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg at JFK Library
Lighting Workshop at T&F Camera with Boston Photographer Rick Friedman
Boston Lighting Workshop in historic South End with Boston Photographer Rick FriedmanBoston Lighting Workshop in historic South End with Boston Photographer Rick Friedman
Portrait of singer Rihanna smiling at Harvard, wearing an off-shoulder coat, captured by photographer Rick Friedman.Portrait of Singer Rihanna at Harvard by Renowned Boston Photographer Rick Friedman
Cynthia Erivo smiling between two performers in colorful costumes during the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year celebration in Harvard Square, Cambridge.Cynthia Erivo Celebrated as Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year by Boston photographer Rick Friedman
A model in a blue dress poses confidently amidst swirling neon lights at night, showcasing dynamic urban photography.Model Catalaya on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, Mass by Boston photographer Rick Friedman
A model in a red flowing dress holding a red umbrella, posing in front of Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida, under a blue sky with clouds.Elegant Model in Red Flowing Dress with Umbrella at Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL
A smiling young woman with natural curls, wearing a colorful patterned jacket and black top, posing against a black background.Vibrant Portrait of a Smiling Woman in Colorful Attire
Leonard Cohen, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards sharing a moment in a Boston hotel suite during spring dusk on March 27, 2012.Legendary Musicians Leonard Cohen, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards in Boston
Keith Richards and Elvis Costello performing live on stage at the Kennedy Library showcasing their musical talent and camaraderie.Keith Richards and Elvis Costello Performing at the Kennedy Library by Boston photographer Rick Friedman
Tony Bennett performing at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2009, showcasing his signature style and emotional connection with the audience.Tony Bennett Captivates Audience at Montreal Jazz Festival
Tom Hanks in a red graduation gown holding a Wilson volleyball during the Harvard Commencement ceremony, May 2023.Tom Hanks Delivers Inspiring Speech at Harvard Commencement with Wilson Volleyball
Mark Zuckerberg and Chris Hughes, founders of Facebook, working on laptops as Harvard students, framed by a stone archway on campus.Founders of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and Chris Hughes as Harvard Students
Portrait of Bill Gates by Rick Friedman, showcasing the philanthropist in a tailored suit with a polka dot tie against a dark background.Bill Gates Portrait by Rick Friedman – Iconic Philanthropist and Tech Innovator
Edward Osborne Wilson, a renowned Harvard biologist, poses with leafcutter ants in his office, showcasing his passion for natural history and biodiversity.E.O. Wilson: Renowned Harvard Biologist and Naturalist in His Office
Julia Child smiling in her kitchen, surrounded by cooking utensils and fresh ingredients, captured in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 25, 1983.Julia Child in Her Iconic Cambridge Kitchen
Goldie Hawn expressing joy during a book signing event, showcasing her long hair and enthusiastic demeanor.Goldie Hawn Expressing Joy at a Book Signing Event
Portrait of author Margaret Atwood smiling in Boston Public Garden, wearing a black hat and colorful shawl, surrounded by autumn foliage.Portrait of Author Margaret Atwood in Boston Public Garden by Boston Photographer Rick Friedman
Rob Gronkowski seated on a weight bench in a gym at Gillette Stadium, showcasing his muscular build and intense expression.Rob Gronkowski "Gronk" Posing in Gym at Gillette Stadium for Sports Illustrated by Boston photographer Rick Friedman
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A triple exposure photograph of a model named Cataleya surrounded by colorful light trails, showcasing the art of light painting in a vibrant and ethereal setting.Mesmerizing Light Painting of Cataleya
A blond model in a black bodysuit poses against a backdrop of colorful smoke, showcasing elegance and artistry.Captivating Blond Model in Colorful Smoke
A woman in a crop top and shorts poses next to a red Toyota Supra, surrounded by colorful light trails in a creative light painting display.Captivating Light Painting with Julianna Nicole and a Toyota Supra
A model in a mesh outfit poses gracefully against a backdrop of colorful smoke, showcasing contemporary fashion photography.Captivating Portrait of a Model in Mesh Outfit Surrounded by Colorful Smoke
Portrait of a young woman named Taylor in a silver gown, playfully dusting shades with a feather duster in St. Augustine.Elegant Portrait of Taylor in St. Augustine with Feather Duster
A model in a flowing blue dress poses gracefully by a fountain at the Marriott Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, with palm trees and a clear blue sky in the background.Elegant Model in Flowing Blue Dress Posing by Fountain at Marriott Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ
A model in a black dress poses confidently in a brick tunnel at Quincy Market, Boston, showcasing the blend of fashion and historic architecture.Elegant Model Posing in Historic Brick Tunnel at Quincy Market, Boston
A blond model in a black dress and flowing cape poses on Miami Beach at sunset, with a colorful sky and calm waters in the background.Stunning Blond Model in Elegant Black Dress at Miami Beach Sunset
A model in a black gown poses dramatically on the wreckage of a crashed plane in Nelson Ghost Town, Nevada, with a striking desert landscape in the background.Striking Fashion Amidst the Ruins of a Crashed Plane in Nelson Ghost Town, NV
Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama sharing a joyful moment on stage, showcasing their friendship and influence.Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama Sharing a Moment of Laughter
Portrait of actor Anthony Hopkins in a tuxedo, captured by photographer Rick Friedman, showcasing a thoughtful expression against a soft backdrop.Anthony Hopkins Portrait by Rick Friedman
Portrait of Miles Rapoport, Executive Director of 100% Democracy, seated on a red couch at the Charles Hotel near Harvard University, May 22, 2024.Miles Rapoport: Advocate for Democracy at Harvard's Kennedy School
Former President Barack Obama pouring beer behind the bar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with patrons enjoying the lively atmosphere.Barack Obama Pouring Beer at a Portsmouth Bar
Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush smiling together in a golf cart on a lush golf course in Maine.Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush Enjoying a Round of Golf in Maine
Bill and Hillary Clinton laughing together at a campaign event in New Hampshire, with an American flag in the background.Bill and Hillary Clinton Laughing Together at a New Hampshire Campaign Event
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaking at a VFW Hall in Concord, NH, with an American flag backdrop and a slot machine nearby.Chris Christie Campaigns for President at VFW Hall in Concord, NH
Former President Donald Trump speaking at a rally in front of Air Force One, with a crowd of supporters in Portsmouth, NH during sunset.President Donald Trump Addresses Supporters at Air Force One in Portsmouth, NH
President Donald J. Trump addressing supporters at a rally in Manchester, NH, with campaign signs in the background.Donald J. Trump Rally in Manchester, NH: Energizing Supporters for 2020
Vice President Kamala Harris laughing and engaging with Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Governor Maura Healey, and Mayor Michelle Wu on an airport tarmac.Vice President Kamala Harris Engages with Senators Markey and Warren, Governor Healey, and Mayor Wu
Night view of Notre Dame Cathedral illuminated along the Seine River, with colorful light trails from boats passing by.Enchanting Night View of Notre Dame Cathedral Illuminated by the Seine River
Black-and-white portrait of Antonio Rogucci enjoying a cup of coffee in the North End of Boston, MA, with a scenic backdrop.Enjoying Coffee in the North End: A Portrait of Antonio Rogucci
Models in flapper dresses posing with a vintage Ford Model A in a wooded outdoor setting during a photography workshop.Vintage Glamour: Models Posing with a Ford Model A at the Studio in the Woods
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Two fashion models in a red and black dress posing on a beach at sunset, with flowing fabrics and a dramatic sky.Stunning Fashion Models in Dramatic Beach Sunset
Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia celebrating his victory as he crosses the finish line at the 128th Boston Marathon in Copley Square, Boston, on April 15, 2024.Sisay Lemma Celebrates Victory at the 128th Boston Marathon
Black-and-white portrait of Ansel Adams in graduation attire, smiling while receiving an honorary doctorate at Harvard University.Ansel Adams Celebrates Honorary Doctorate at Harvard University
Lenny Kravitz lying on stage playing guitar during a live performance, showcasing his energetic stage presence and unique style.Lenny Kravitz Performing Live: A Captivating Moment on Stage
Former President Donald Trump passionately speaking at a campaign rally in New Hampshire, with arms outstretched and the presidential seal on the podium.Donald Trump Campaigning in New Hampshire: A Dynamic Rally Experience
Chef Barbara Lynch smiling in her kitchen while preparing dishes, showcasing her culinary skills and passion for food.Chef Barbara Lynch in Her Kitchen: A Culinary Visionary
A psychiatrist in a blue sweater reclining on a leather sofa, engaged in self-reflection at Harvard Medical School, surrounded by framed portraits.Self-Reflection: A Psychiatrist's Introspection at Harvard Medical School
Brunette Model in front of multi color projected backdrop by Rick FriedmanBrunette Model in front of multi color projected backdrop by Rick Friedman
Model in white dress in graffiti covered Wildwood, Miami, Florida by Rick FriedmanModel in white dress in graffiti covered Wildwood, Miami, Florida by Rick Friedman
Model in red dress with red umbrella in the Boston Public Garden by Rick FriedmanModel in red dress with red umbrella in the Boston Public Garden by Rick Friedman
models in flowing green and red dresses on beachmodels in flowing green and red dresses on beach
A kitchen worker at Pine Street Inn in Boston carries a tray of prepared turkeys, surrounded by staff preparing for Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter.Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation at Pine Street Inn: A Heartwarming Scene in Boston
Italian Actor Alessandro Gruttadauria at the Rick & Rick Photo Workshop in Provincetown, Cape Cod
A teenage girl firing a .50 caliber machine gun from a vintage 1949 Jeep at a Republican Party fundraiser in Litchfield, New Hampshire.Teenage Girl Firing a .50 Caliber Machine Gun from a 1949 Jeep at NH Republican Party Fundraiser
A model in a black dress poses against a brick wall illuminated by colorful projected lights in Boston.Vibrant Portrait of a Model in Black Dress Against Colorful Projected Lights in Boston
A model in a flowing red dress poses on a Florida beach, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.Elegant Model in Flowing Red Dress at Florida Beach
Blond model in a black dress walking on a beach at sunset in Costa Rica, with reflections on the wet sand.Stunning Blond Model Walking on the Beach at Sunset in Costa Rica
A model in a green dress poses elegantly amidst colorful light patterns in a light painting photography piece by Rick Friedman.Captivating Light Painting Portrait of a Model in Green
A vibrant light painting triple exposure featuring a subject with colorful swirling lights in the background, captured by Rick Friedman.Captivating Light Painting Triple Exposure Artistry
A model with long hair poses against a backdrop of vibrant, moving neon lights in London, capturing the essence of urban nightlife.Captivating Model Portrait with Dynamic Lights in London
A light painting featuring Batman holding a woman in a white dress, surrounded by vibrant red and blue light trails at night.Dynamic Light Painting of Batman Holding a Woman in a White Dress
Model Catalaya in a flowing red dress holding a red umbrella, posed against a stone backdrop.Elegant Model Catalaya in a Flowing Red Dress with Umbrella
A dancer in a yellow jumpsuit leaps joyfully in Boston Public Garden, surrounded by greenery and flowers.Vibrant Dancer in Yellow Jumpsuit Leaping in Boston Public Garden
Portrait of an elegant model in a black turtleneck and fedora, captured by Rick Friedman, showcasing sophisticated fashion and studio lighting.Elegant Model in Black Attire and Fedora Captured by Rick Friedman
Portrait of a tattooed model with dramatic lighting and colorful background, showcasing intricate tattoos and expressive features.Captivating Portrait of a Tattooed Model in Dramatic Lighting
Ray Kurzweil lying on a table surrounded by an array of healthy foods including salmon, cherries, and vegetables, symbolizing the connection between nutrition and innovation.Ray Kurzweil Surrounded by Healthy Foods: A Culinary Perspective on Innovation
Portrait of author John Updike smiling, reflected in a polished surface, with warm lamps in the background.Captivating Reflection of Author John Updike by Rick Friedman
A model in a flowing red dress poses on a sandy beach, with the dress billowing in the wind against a backdrop of blue sky and gentle waves.Captivating Model in a Flowing Red Dress on a Serene Beach
Silhouette of a dancer forming a heart shape with her hands against a vibrant sunset on the beach.Captivating Dancer Silhouette Forming a Heart at Sunset on the Beach
A model in a blue dress and hat leaps gracefully by a pond in Florida, surrounded by lush greenery and a serene landscape.Dynamic Leap of a Model in Blue Dress and Hat by a Serene Florida Pond
A model in a black dress poses confidently amidst blue light and smoke, showcasing dramatic lighting and an elegant silhouette.Enigmatic Model in Black Dress Illuminated by Blue Light and Smoke
George W. Bush and Dick Cheney waving to the crowd during a celebration event with a colorful backdrop.George W. Bush and Dick Cheney at a Celebration Event
Sir Tim Berners-Lee standing in front of the Stata Center at MIT, showcasing the unique architecture and his contributions to the World Wide Web.Sir Tim Berners-Lee: Innovator of the World Wide Web at MIT
Barack Obama and Joe Biden waving from the back of a train during their inauguration journey, surrounded by supporters holding flags.Barack Obama and Joe Biden Waving from Train During Inauguration Journey
Fashion model Fara Manalo posing in a historic stone building in Sharjah, UAE, wearing a vibrant floral outfit and a stylish jacket.Fashion Model Fara Manalo Posing in Historic Stone Building in Sharjah, UAE
A couple sharing a kiss surrounded by vibrant light painting at Nelson Ghost Town, Nevada, with a crashed airplane in the background under a starry sky.Enchanting Light Painting at Nelson Ghost Town, Nevada
A ballet dancer in a flowing red dress gracefully poses on the brick sidewalks of Boston's South End, showcasing elegance against a historic urban backdrop.Elegant Ballet Dancer in Red Dress Posing on Boston's Historic Brick Streets
A model in a white dress walking down a street in Wynwood, Miami, with colorful murals in the background.Elegant Model in White Dress Strolling Through Wynwood's Vibrant Street Art
A statue of George Washington on horseback surrounded by vibrant tulips in various colors at Boston Public Garden on a sunny spring day.George Washington Statue Surrounded by Vibrant Spring Tulips in Boston Public Garden
Three African penguins wading through ocean waves on a sandy beach in Simons Town, South Africa.Charming African Penguins Wading Through Waves at Simons Town, South Africa
Two sailboats racing in the Ocean Race event in Newport, Rhode Island, showcasing colorful sails against a clear blue sky.Thrilling Ocean Race: Sailboats Compete in Newport, RI
Copyright © 2025 Rick Friedman Photography
On May 25, 2023, actor Tom Hanks captivated the audience at Harvard University's Commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As the commencement speaker for the class of 2023, Hanks was honored with an honorary doctorate. In a memorable moment, he held a Wilson volleyball, symbolizing his iconic role in the film "Cast Away." The event celebrated the achievements of graduates while highlighting Hanks' contributions to film and culture. His heartfelt address and playful interaction with the volleyball made this commencement a truly unforgettable experience for all attendees.
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Tom Hanks in a red graduation gown holding a Wilson volleyball during the Harvard Commencement ceremony, May 2023.
On May 25, 2023, actor Tom Hanks captivated the audience at Harvard University's Commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As the commencement speaker for the class of 2023, Hanks was honored with an honorary doctorate. In a memorable moment, he held a Wilson volleyball, symbolizing his iconic role in the film "Cast Away." The event celebrated the achievements of graduates while highlighting Hanks' contributions to film and culture. His heartfelt address and playful interaction with the volleyball made this commencement a truly unforgettable experience for all attendees.