Curriculum Vitae

If you're into formalities...

Alternatively, enjoy the succeeding digital portfolio of select, treasured, non-writing-related adventures and accomplishments

If you're looking for my writing, head to "My Own Words."

Last updated: December 2023

If you need a current version, send me an email.

AustinLentsch_Academic_CV (2023-12-22).pdf

Austin's Digital Archive

(for his very-proud parents' reference)

Ivy Oration — Class of 2020

I delivered the Ivy Oration for the Harvard College Class of 2020's Commencement ceremony.

Now, for those keeping score, it was technically on Class Day, which was technically rescheduled for two years AFTER our actual graduation, due to that pandemic which shall-not-be-named.

That said, I am also the only Harvard Class Day speaker in the entire history of Harvard to nearly kiss John Harvard's foot (yes, that one) as part of his speech. I'm not sure how this all nets out, but there.

To conclude: my mom thinks my speech beat Ashton Kutcher's, so...

You be the judge. [A sort-of accurate script, for accessibility; a link to the video, plus a nice Harvard Crimson piece quoting my speech.]

‘You Are the People I Admire’: Ashton Kutcher Calls for Hope Amid Adversity at Class of 2020 Dinner | News | The Harvard CrimsonActor Ashton Kutcher addressed members of the Class of 2020 at their Class Day dinner Saturday night, telling them they allowed him to maintain hope amid adversities.

Academic-All Star: Austin Lentsch remains humble about varied successesAustin Lentsch remains humble about varied successes

High School in Pierre, SD

This was a very kind honor and recognition that I received during my senior year of high school in Pierre, South Dakota—memorialized with an interview by the state newspaper, the SD Argus Leader.

Though I don't often wear oversized herringbone jackets anymore, the sentiment of the article is still well-aligned with my guiding principles for graduate study and career goals.

It's nice to read every once in a while to remember the youthful vigor for "making a difference," which I still firmly believe is not naive, but rather holds a healthy optimism!

College a cappella ~with a twist~

I would be remiss not to include something from my three years with The Harvard Din & Tonics, a jazz-humor a cappella performance group, covering everything from the Great American Songbook to contemporary chanson.

If you're into live one-cut amateur musicians enjoying themselves (and occasionally, though not always, remaining in tune), check out this rendition of Vulfpeck & Antwon Stanley's "Wait for the Moment" that we took along on World Tour in 2018!

Here is our touring album from that year, for true fans...

As we would often say, "we hope that you, the audience, enjoy yourselves half as much as we enjoy ourselves: please enjoy!"

More backlog perhaps to be added, if there is ever time or taste...