Class of 2012 Commencement

With the wail of a single bagpipe from the front of the procession, the calls of the University's Color Guard, the triumphant trumpets and roll of the drums, the soft sounds of thousands of footsteps encircling and crossing the quadrangle, all ringed by the resonant cheers and applause of families and friends; The University of Rhode Island's 126th Commencement will soon be under way...

Graduate Commencement Ceremonies

May 19, 2012 - The Ryan Center
12:15 p.m. Candidates assemble; 1 p.m. Commencement begins

Undergraduate Ceremonies

May 20, 2012 - Quadrangle
Noon, Candidates assemble on Lower College Road; 12:30 p.m. Commencement begins

Author, Attorney Marlen Suyapa Bodden to speak at Commencement

Acclaimed author and human rights attorney with a passion for justice and defense of the disenfranchised, Marlen Suyapa Bodden has been named as speaker for the University of Rhode Island's 126th undergraduate commencement ceremony. Bodden is the author of The Wedding Gift, the award-winning, compelling historical novel set in pre-Civil War times.

"When she spoke at URI earlier this year, Marlen Bodden's talk and her life's work engaged students and reinforced our active commitment to community, equity and diversity. An inspiring speaker, advocate for the poor, and mentor of students, her work explores historical and modern day implications of the American slavery narrative," said URI President David M. Dooley in making the announcement.

Honorary Degrees to be awarded to distinguished leaders

In addition to Ms. Bodden, URI will present honorary degrees to three people who have distinguished themselves in community economic development, military service and business. Two of the honorees are prominent URI alumni: Amy DeVaudreuil '97, a noted attorney working in areas related to affordable housing; Colonel Philip J. Saulnier '62, a U.S. Army veteran honored for decades of post-retirement service to our veterans; and Shivan Subramaniam, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FM Global (Shown below left to right.)
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Mary McGunigal selected as student speaker

Mary McGunigal wants to be a doctor. And she's well on her way. That's because during her sophomore year, she was selected by the Mount Sinai Humanities and Medicine Early Acceptance Program in New York City. But first, when she receives her degree in Classical Studies during undergraduate ceremonies on May 20, she will deliver the student commencement speech.
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Graduate Commencement Speaker

University of Rhode Island Psychology Professor Lisa Harlow has been invited to speak at the University's Graduate Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 19. Harlow joined the URI faculty in 1985 and maintains a rigorous academic life in her areas of specialization of statistics and research methodology, and health psychology.

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Undergraduate

Graduate

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Hometown News

Graduates are encouraged to submit information about their graduation to their own local/hometown newspapers and social media outlets. When the 2012 information is finalized for publication, a link is provided for graduates to find their listing and directions to create their personalized press release. Link here to find your listing and directions to create your own personalized press release.

Commencement on YouTube

Watch some of the University's 126th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies on URI's YouTube channel.