“[Simmons] is a strong voice in the public discussion of educational policies,” Eck said.

Eck also introduced Oliver, who in addition to the Pulitzer has received a National Book Award, as well as fellowships from both the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Through the poetry reading of her own work, Oliver urged students to take charge of their lives. “Universe so large/no end to your ideas/your ambitions,” she read.

Oliver drew a standing ovation from her colleagues on stage.

Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Minister in the Memorial Church Peter J. Gomes also presented three faculty members with awards for their teaching at the ceremony.

Emery Professor of Chemistry Eric Jacobsen, Kaneb Professor of National Security and Military Affairs Stephen P. Rosen’74 and Lecturer in History and Literature James Wilkinson all received the distinctions.

In addition, Everett I. Mendelsohn, professor of the history of science and former Phi Beta Kappa chapter vice president was given honorary Phi Beta Kappa membership yesterday.

The event concluded with a singing of “Fair Harvard” and a benediction by Co-Master of Lowell House Dorothy Austin.

“Go forth now.... Let yourself be genuine, be bold and have courage, show good wisdom...and with your imagination be generous and strive always,” Austin said.

—Staff writer Anat Maytal can be reached at maytal@fas.harvard.edu.