Commencement

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Brown University’s 258th Commencement set for Sunday, May 24

May 13, 2026

Sunday's procession and University Ceremony on the College Green will cap Brown's three-day celebration of Commencement and Reunion Weekend 2026.

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News and Events

Brown to confer honorary degrees on six accomplished leaders during Commencement 2026

May 8, 2026

On Sunday, May 24, the University will bestow honorary degrees on a diverse group of leaders in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and national security to civil rights, economics and business.

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News and Events

Award-winning author and Brown alumna Xochitl Gonzalez to deliver Baccalaureate address

May 8, 2026

Gonzalez, a member of Brown’s Class of 1999, will return to the University during Commencement and Reunion Weekend 2026 to share insights from her decorated literary career and her advice for the Class of 2026.

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Health and Medicine

Brown medical school graduate to offer ‘small dose of idealism’ during cynical moment in time

April 30, 2026

At the Warren Alpert Medical School ceremony during Commencement and Reunion Weekend, Meylakh Barshay hopes to inspire classmates to find strength in community and to fix what they can, no matter how small.

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News and Events

Graduate student speakers at Commencement will reflect on resilience, reimagination

April 23, 2026

As Brown celebrates its 258th Commencement, Kenia Collins and Melanie Ortiz Alvarez de la Campa will address their peers in separate master’s and Ph.D. ceremonies on College Hill.

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News and Events

In upcoming Commencement speeches, senior orators to reflect on the meaning of community

April 13, 2026

In keeping with a Brown tradition that dates back more than two and a half centuries, seniors Zein Faheem and Caelle Joseph will address their fellow graduates on Sunday, May 24.

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News and Events

Ahead of celebration, Midyear Completion speakers reflect on resilience and renewal

December 4, 2025

Brown’s annual Midyear Completion Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, will honor the achievements and unique paths of “.5ers,” undergraduates who complete their degree requirements this month.

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News and Events

Senior orators urge Brown’s Class of 2025 to persevere, build community

May 25, 2025

In a Commencement celebration on the College Green, graduates Nkéke Harris and Aliza Kopans addressed their peers, family members and friends, offering advice as they forge into the future.

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News and Events

Brown’s newest graduates encouraged to lead with love, hope and compassion

May 25, 2025

Degrees for Brown’s undergraduate Class of 2025 were officially conferred during the College Ceremony, where Brown’s president shared with graduates why everyone on campus loves and will miss them.

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News and Events

Brown confers honorary doctorates on seven distinguished leaders

May 25, 2025

During its 257th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 25, Brown University bestowed honorary degrees on a trailblazing group of advocates, artists, writers and scholars.

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News and Events

Olympian Allyson Felix: Let purpose, not praise, guide your race

May 24, 2025

In a Baccalaureate service marked by faith and gratitude, Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix urged the undergraduate Class of 2025 to find meaning in every step of their journeys.

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News and Events

Brown to confer 3,310 degrees at 257th Commencement

May 23, 2025

On Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, the University will confer a total of 3,310 degrees in all categories — undergraduate, graduate, medical and honorary.

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News and Events

A spirited celebration: Sights, sounds and stories from Commencement and Reunion 2025

May 22, 2025

Brown’s big weekend offered graduation ceremonies, alumni reunions and a multitude of other opportunities for graduates, alumni, family and friends to honor accomplishments and reunite.

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Health and Medicine

Brown medical school graduate to emphasize love as key to success, fulfillment in medicine

May 15, 2025

At the Commencement ceremony for the Warren Alpert Medical School’s Class of 2025, Alisa Pugacheva will reflect on the importance of appreciating patients, colleagues and the practice of medicine.

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News and Events

Brown University’s 257th Commencement set for Sunday, May 25

May 14, 2025

Sunday's procession and University Ceremony on the College Green will cap Brown's three-day celebration of Commencement and Reunion Weekend 2025.

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News and Events

Brown faculty to confer highest honor on preeminent scholars in physics, public health

May 12, 2025

J. Michael Kosterlitz, a professor of physics, and Terrie Fox Wetle, a professor emerita of health services, policy and practice, will receive the Rosenberger Medal of Honor during Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

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News and Events

Graduate student speakers at Commencement will encourage peers to engage with curiosity, compassion

May 8, 2025

As Brown celebrates its 257th Commencement, Akashleena Mallick and Melaine Ferdinand-King will address their peers in separate master’s and Ph.D. ceremonies on College Hill.

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News and Events

Brown to confer honorary degrees on seven distinguished leaders at Commencement 2025

May 7, 2025

The University will bestow honorary degrees on a diverse group of community leaders, artists, writers, performers and scholars during its Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 25.

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News and Events

In upcoming Commencement speeches, senior orators to reflect on resilience, responsibility

April 28, 2025

In keeping with a Brown tradition that dates back more than two and a half centuries, seniors Nkéke Harris and Aliza Kopans will address their fellow graduates on Sunday, May 25.

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News and Events

Brown confers honorary doctorates on eight distinguished leaders

May 26, 2024

During its 256th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 26, Brown University bestowed honorary degrees on a diverse group of business leaders, artists, writers and scholars.

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News and Events

Build communities to challenge, inspire and uplift each other, speakers urge at Commencement

May 26, 2024

In Commencement celebrations on Sunday, addresses from Brown’s senior orators and University president noted the graduates’ strong bonds formed during challenging moments and how those have prepared them for the future.

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News and Events

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir: ‘It’s always worth making the leap that scares you’

May 25, 2024

With advice from the astronaut and Brown alumna, the Class of 2024 celebrated the Baccalaureate with a lively service marked by wisdom, hope and gratitude.

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News and Events

Brown to confer 3,244 degrees at 256th Commencement

May 24, 2024

On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, the University will confer a total of 3,244 degrees in all categories — undergraduate, graduate, medical and honorary.

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News and Events

A spirited celebration: Sights, sounds and stories from Commencement and Reunion 2024

May 23, 2024

Brown’s big weekend offers graduation ceremonies, alumni reunions and a multitude of other opportunities for graduates, alumni, family and friends to honor accomplishments and reunite.

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News and Events

Brown medical school graduate to offer pandemic-informed perspective of the study and practice of medicine

May 16, 2024

At the Commencement ceremony for the Warren Alpert Medical School’s Class of 2024, Sudheesha Perera will reflect on how training during COVID will help future doctors adapt to a new era of health care.

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News and Events

Brown faculty to confer highest honor on renowned obesity and diabetes scholar

May 16, 2024

Rena R. Wing, a longtime medical school professor who focuses on prevention and treatment for obesity and related health complications, will receive the Rosenberger Medal of Honor during Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

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News and Events

Brown University’s 256th Commencement set for Sunday, May 26

May 15, 2024

Sunday's procession and University Ceremony on the College Green will cap Brown's three-day celebration of Commencement and Reunion Weekend 2024.

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News and Events

NASA astronaut and Brown alumna Jessica Meir to deliver Baccalaureate address

May 9, 2024

Meir, a graduate of Brown’s Class of 1999, will return to the University during Commencement and Reunion Weekend to share insights from her record-setting experiences and advice for the Class of 2024.

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News and Events

‘This is no small feat’: Celebrating Brown’s first graduating cohort of Indigenous studies scholars

May 7, 2024

The first five graduating seniors in the critical Native American and Indigenous studies concentration shared reflections on their research and expanding a community of scholars.

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News and Events

Graduate student speakers will offer insights at Commencement on navigating setbacks to reach goals

May 7, 2024

As Brown celebrates its 256th Commencement, Nadia Tsado and Deanna Stueber will address their peers in separate master’s and Ph.D. ceremonies on College Hill.

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News and Events

Brown to confer honorary degrees on nine distinguished leaders at Commencement 2024

May 2, 2024

The University will bestow honorary degrees on a diverse group of business leaders, artists, writers and scholars during its Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 26.

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News and Events

Senior orators to extol community, collaboration and care at Brown’s 256th Commencement

April 30, 2024

In keeping with a Brown tradition that dates back more than two and a half centuries, seniors Marielle Buxbaum and Caziah Mayers will address their fellow graduates on Sunday, May 26.

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News and Events

Ahead of ceremony, Midyear Completion speakers urge others to extend empathy, commit to community

November 29, 2023

Brown’s annual Midyear Completion Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2, will celebrate the achievements and unique paths of “.5ers,” who complete their degree requirements this month.

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News and Events

Gina Raimondo calls on Brown’s Class of 2023 to ‘make our democracy stronger’

May 28, 2023

During impromptu Commencement remarks, the U.S. secretary of commerce and former Rhode Island governor praised graduates’ talents, encouraging them to contribute locally and nationally.

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Brown president implores new graduates: ‘Never forget that your humanity is your greatest asset’

May 28, 2023

In her annual Commencement address, Brown University President Christina H. Paxson asked the Class of 2023 to bring a “discerning humanistic lens” to everything they do, particularly in a technology-dominated world.

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Student orators urge Brown’s Class of 2023 to explore, experiment and take risks

May 28, 2023

In a sunshine-filled Commencement celebration on the College Green, graduates Kailiang Fu and Margherita Micaletti-Hinojal addressed their peers, family members and friends, offering advice as they forge into the future.

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News and Events

Brown confers six honorary doctorates

May 28, 2023

During its 255th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 28, Brown University bestowed honorary degrees on a diverse group of business leaders, public servants and scholars.

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News and Events

At Brown’s Baccalaureate, an opportunity to rejoice and reflect

May 27, 2023

Seniors who will graduate with the Class of 2023 celebrated the Baccalaureate with joyful performances, faith traditions from across the globe, and remarks that encouraged graduates to put action behind ideas.

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News and Events

Brown to confer 2,921 degrees at 255th Commencement

May 26, 2023

On Sunday, May 28, the University will confer a total of 2,921 degrees in all categories — undergraduate, graduate, medical and honorary.

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News and Events

A celebratory weekend: Sights, sounds and stories from Commencement and Reunion 2023

May 25, 2023

Packed with graduation ceremonies, alumni reunions and other celebrations, the weekend offers countless chances for graduates, alumni, parents, friends and guests to honor accomplishments and reunite.

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News and Events

An economic boom for many local businesses during Brown’s Commencement and Reunion Weekend

May 24, 2023

From University spending on goods and services to help make events happen, to travel spending by the tens of thousands who visit Providence to stay, dine and shop, the weekend energizes many Rhode Island businesses.

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News and Events

Brown University’s 255th Commencement set for Sunday, May 28

May 17, 2023

Sunday's procession and University Ceremony on the College Green will cap Brown's three-day celebration of Commencement and Reunion Weekend 2023.

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News and Events

Class of 2000 graduate Carlos Lejnieks to deliver Baccalaureate address during Commencement 2023

May 11, 2023

The youth development leader and president of the Brown Alumni Association will return to his alma mater to deliver the Baccalaureate address on Saturday, May 27.

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News and Events

In student address, Brown medical school grad to reflect on openness, flexibility and ‘learning loosely’

May 10, 2023

At the Commencement ceremony for Warren Alpert Medical School’s Class of 2023, John Johnson hopes to bolster his fellow graduates’ confidence in themselves as physicians, teachers and leaders.

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News and Events

Brown to confer six honorary degrees at Commencement 2023

May 4, 2023

The University will bestow honorary degrees on a diverse group of business leaders, public servants and scholars during its Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 28.

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News and Events

At Commencement, Graduate School speakers will reckon with the past to build a better future

May 4, 2023

As Brown celebrates its 255th Commencement, Kathryn Thompson and Hamidou Sylla will address their peers in separate Ph.D. and master’s ceremonies on College Hill on Sunday, May 28.

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News and Events

In upcoming Commencement speeches, senior orators to champion lifelong curiosity, openness to risk

April 26, 2023

In late May, Class of 2023 members Kailiang Fu and Margherita Micaletti-Hinojal will encourage their peers to explore widely and take chances after graduation, just as they did as Brown students.

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News and Events

Two accomplished leaders recognized with highest honor a Brown president can bestow

June 16, 2022

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson honored Jonathan M. Nelson and Dr. John Nkengasong with President’s Medals in recognition of their achievements at Brown and beyond.

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News and Events

In three ceremonies, medical, doctoral and master’s graduates celebrate hard-earned degrees

May 29, 2022

In addresses at Brown’s Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 29, student speakers entreated their peers to make a positive impact using lessons they had learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Student voices shine as Brown commemorates Class of 2022

May 29, 2022

In a sunny, spirited celebration, three Brown graduating seniors addressed Class of 2022 members, encouraging their fellow graduates to honor their roots while forging new paths ahead.

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