News Summary
As graduation season approaches in Rhode Island, colleges and universities including Brown University, Providence College, and RISD are finalizing their commencement plans. Notable speakers like Allyson Felix and Jon Batiste will honor graduates at ceremonies scheduled from May 3 to May 31. Each institution showcases distinctive achievements and contributions from their speakers and honorary degree recipients, reflecting on the diverse talents within the state.
Providence, Rhode Island – Graduation season is quickly approaching in Rhode Island as colleges and universities gear up for their 2025 commencement ceremonies. Notable institutions across the state, including the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Bryant University, Salve Regina University, and the New England Institute of Technology, have announced their honorary degree recipients and keynote speakers for this year’s ceremonies.
Brown University will hold its commencement from May 23 to May 25, featuring Jon Batiste, a Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician, as one of the honorary degree recipients. Allyson Felix, renowned as a five-time Olympian and a women’s rights advocate in sports, will address the undergraduate class during the ceremony on May 24. Jon Batiste is celebrated for his work across multiple music genres, including classical, jazz, R&B, and soul. He gained significant recognition for winning an Academy Award for “Best Original Score” for the animated film “Soul” and has received 11 Grammy nominations for his album “We Are.”
Allyson Felix holds the title of the most decorated woman in track-and-field history, boasting a remarkable record of 20 world championships and 11 Olympic medals. Having recently retired in 2022, Felix now serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee, and her contributions to sports continue to inspire many.
Providence College is scheduled to host its 107th commencement ceremony on May 18 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, with retired Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Sr. delivering the commencement address. A graduate of Providence College in 1958, Judge Caprio served as a Providence Municipal Court judge for 38 years and became well-known through the Emmy-nominated series “Caught in Providence.” His public profile is substantial, with over 26 million social media followers and collective video views surpassing 10 billion. He previously chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2019.
The first university commencement ceremony in Rhode Island will kick off on May 3 with Johnson & Wales University (JWU), where Gregory Burton Cook will serve as the speaker. Another keynote address will be delivered by Charlie Baker, the former Governor of Massachusetts. At JWU’s ceremony, Leslie Gutterman will receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of her extensive community service and writing.
On May 4, the New England Institute of Technology will host its own commencement ceremony, during which honorary degrees will be awarded to Steven Feinberg. The University of Rhode Island (URI) will conduct a series of commencement events from May 16 to May 18, with honorary degrees presented on May 16. Notable speakers at URI’s ceremonies will include Cole Brauer, Clifton B. Newman, and George Nee.
Salve Regina University’s commencement, also set for May 18, will feature Cody Keenan, a former White House speechwriter, as its keynote speaker. The Rhode Island School of Design is set to conclude the graduation festivities with its ceremony on May 31, highlighted by speakers such as Rose B. Simpson, along with honorary degrees awarded to María Magdalena Campos-Pons and accomplished author/illustrator Grace Lin.
As Rhode Island prepares for a busy graduation season, the diverse array of speakers and honorees slated to participate truly reflects the significant contributions of these individuals in their respective fields. This year’s commencement ceremonies promise to be inspiring events celebrating the achievements of graduates across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Brown University Faces Visa Revocations for Students
Brown University Ranks High in Graduate Salary Potential
Protests Erupt at Rhode Island College Over Program Cuts
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Jon Batiste and Allyson Felix at Brown University
- Boston Globe: Rhode Island College Graduation 2025
- GoLocalProv: Judge Caprio to Deliver PC Commencement Speech
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- WPRI: Judge Caprio as Providence College’s Commencement Speaker
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
