Robert P. Mitchell, spokesperson for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), was the only member of Kirby’s senior staff in attendance. Mitchell’s reactions to the jokes targeting his boss were muted compared to the raucous laughter of the crowd.

After Gomes’ speech, the preacher presented a box containing a gift for Lewis.

“It suits you, Harry. It’s weighty. A little awkward,” Gomes said with a soft shake of the box.

Lewis laughed and, with the help of two guests, proceeded to unwrap his gift—17th-century tiles from the roof of the College’s first building.

“He reshaped the College experience and left us better for it,” read the framed statement that came with the framed tiles.

“There’s nothing you could have given me which would have made me so happy, except the language you used to describe me,” Lewis told Gomes and the rest of the audience.

After the presentation of the gift, a performer sang the 1920s tune “I’m Just Wild About Harry.”

“We are too!” someone yelled out from the back of the tent.

The weather cooperated for the event, which, like Gomes’ speech, received positive reviews from the audience.

“I think Reverend Gomes was delightful,” Secretary of FAS John B. Fox, Jr. ’59 said. “He skillfully explored the edges of propriety.”

Many said the event was a success even if they were not thrilled by what prompted it.

“I think it was extremely fitting for the occasion,” said Anne M. Lewis ’07, Dean Lewis’ daughter. “It was unfortunate to have to have the occasion, but still.”

—Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.