Local Colleges Announce 2025 Commencement Speakers

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Students celebrate at the 2025 graduation ceremony in Rhode Island.

News Summary

Graduation season for 2025 is fast approaching, with colleges in Rhode Island revealing their honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers. Notable figures such as Jon Batiste and Allyson Felix are set to address graduates at Brown University, while retired Chief Judge Frank Caprio will speak at Providence College. This year’s events celebrate the accomplishments and diversity of influential individuals in various fields, offering inspiration to the graduating classes.

Providence, Rhode Island – Graduation season for 2025 is on the horizon, with several local colleges and universities announcing their honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers. Among the institutions sharing their plans are the Rhode Island School of Design, Bryant University, Salve Regina University, and the New England Institute of Technology.

Highlighting the celebrations, Jon Batiste, a Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician, will head the list of seven honorary degree recipients at Brown University’s commencement, scheduled for May 23-25. Additionally, Allyson Felix, a five-time Olympian and highly acclaimed track-and-field athlete, will give the address to the undergraduate class at Brown on May 24.

Jon Batiste has made significant contributions to music, blending genres such as classical, jazz, R&B, and soul. Notably, he won an Academy Award for “Best Original Score” for his work in Disney-Pixar’s animated film “Soul”. His 2021 album “We Are” received 11 nominations at the Grammy Awards, underlining his impact on the music industry.

Allyson Felix stands as the most decorated woman in track-and-field history, boasting 20 world championships and 11 Olympic medals. Beyond her sporting achievements, she is recognized for her activism, particularly advocating for women’s rights in sports, especially concerning maternity issues. Her engagement in this cause has made her a powerful voice for equity and representation.

On May 18, retired Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Sr., who graduated from Providence College in 1958, will deliver the commencement address at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. Caprio has gained fame through his Emmy-nominated show “Caught in Providence,” which illustrates the compassion he has shown in his courtroom during his 38-year tenure as a judge. With 26 million followers on social media and over 10 billion views of his videos, Caprio has become a well-known figure beyond the courtroom.

His career as a judge began in 1985 after he earned a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. Over the years, Caprio has received numerous accolades, including two Honorary Doctorates of Law—one from Suffolk in 1991 and another from Providence College in 2008. Additionally, he was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. Caprio also served on the Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968 and was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2019.

Providence College’s graduation season is highlighted by this year’s events marking the school’s 107th commencement. In addition to the main ceremony, a separate event will be held for graduate students and School of Continuing Education graduates on May 16, where former Boston Police Department Commissioner Michael Cox will serve as the speaker.

This year’s commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients reflect the rich diversity and accomplishments of individuals from various fields, offering inspiration and recognition to the graduating classes as they prepare to embark on their next chapter.