Commencement 2009
Commencement photo gallery
Commencement photo gallery
View 40 images of campus dance, Field Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement.
Alumni Hour with the President
Alumni Hour with the President
President Simmons discusses the Plan for Academic Enrichment and her vision for Brown.
Alpert Medical School Commencement Address
Alpert Medical School Commencement Address
Jim Yong Kim ’82, M.D. addresses the 35th graduating class of The Warren Alpert Medical School.
Baccalaureate Address video
Baccalaureate Commencement Address
Watch writer and international relations commentator Fareed Zakaria deliver the 2009 baccalaureate address.
2009 Commencement Forums
Darwin, God, and Design - America's Continuing Problem with Evolution
Darwin, God, and Design - America's Continuing Problem with Evolution
Is it time to replace “Darwinism” with ideas like “intelligent design?” Kenneth Miller ’70, professor of biology, assessed the state of this conflict in America today.
Crisis: Policies to Strengthen a Troubled Economy
Crisis: Policies to Strengthen a Troubled Economy
The Obama administration is implementing new policies to address the nationwide economic crisis. This panel discusses the current state of the U.S. economy and prospects for recovery.
Equity and Excellence in Urban Education: Alumni Innovation and Leadership
Equity and Excellence in Urban Education: Alumni Innovation and Leadership
Decades after A Nation at Risk, our country struggles with continuing gaps in educational opportunity and achievement. Brown alumni discuss these issues and innovative approaches.
Commencement News
- Brown confers 2,157 degrees.
- Noor Najeeb and Juliana Thorstenn deliver senior orations at the University Commencement Ceremony, May 24.
- Brown confers seven honorary degrees.
Brown Commencement in the media
- CNN.com explores the first graduating class of Sidney Frank Scholars.
- The Providence Journal profiles the graduation ceremony with text, photos, and video. (Registration may be required)
- An AC 360 blog touches upon Sidney Frank and the first graduating class of Sidney Frank Scholars.
DVD and VHS video available
Collegiate Video provides Brown graduates a chance to revisit highlights of Commencement weekend, from the eloquence of Baccalaureate to the colorful traditions of the march through the Van Wickle Gates. The Commencement video is approximately two hours long and includes favorite campus landmarks and music. DVD and VHS versions are available.
Commencement Ceremony video
Streaming online video to come.
Commencement background
- An overview of Brown’s 241st Commencement Weekend
- 39th annual Commencement Forums offer 16 sessions, 50th reunion reflection
- Fareed Zakaria to deliver Baccalaureate Address Saturday afternoon
- Alpert Medical School to confer 90 M.D. degrees
- Brown to confer eight honorary degrees Sunday afternoon
- Charles Carpenter, M.D., to receive Rosenberger Medal