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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 EconomyCrisis: 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 LeadershipEquity 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 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