Jeremy Shu-How Lin, a professional basketball player, is widely known for his unexpected rise to fame during the 2011–12 NBA season with the New York Knicks, a phenomenon known as "Linsanity."

Despite his basketball career, Lin pursued his academic endeavors at Harvard University, where he made significant contributions both on and off the court.

Early Education and College Choice

Lin grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and excelled in basketball, earning Northern California Basketball Player of the Year honors in high school.

Upon completing high school, he faced challenges in securing athletic scholarship offers, leading him to attend Harvard University, where he became a three-time all-conference player in the Ivy League.

Academic Pursuits at Harvard

Despite his remarkable basketball career, Jeremy Lin focused on his academic pursuits at Harvard, majoring in economics.

He maintained an impressive 3.1 grade-point average during his time at the university, showcasing his dedication to his studies alongside his athletic commitments.

Impact of His Harvard Degree

In an address to Harvard College’s virtual Class Day in 2021, Lin humorously acknowledged the limited impact of his degree on his professional basketball career, stating that it had not directly helped him in his chosen profession. 

Contributions to Harvard Community

Lin's speech at the Class Day emphasized the importance of embracing one's identity and heritage, portraying them as strengths rather than weaknesses.

He encouraged the graduating class to recognize the significance of community in achieving success, drawing from his own experiences both on and off the basketball court.

Philanthropy and Social Advocacy

Apart from his academic and athletic endeavors, Jeremy Lin has also made significant contributions to Harvard University through philanthropy.

In October 2016, he donated $1 million to support undergraduate financial aid and renovations to Lavietes Pavilion, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his alma mater.

Jeremy Lin's academic journey at Harvard University reflects his multi-faceted commitment to both sports and education.

With a major in economics and a strong emphasis on community and social advocacy, Lin's contributions to Harvard extend far beyond his achievements on the basketball court, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends the boundaries of academia and athletics.