Class of 2013 Commencement
The University of Rhode Island celebrated the achievements of its students, and saluted the accomplishments of five distinguished citizens at its 127th commencement exercises on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2013 at the Thomas M. Ryan Center.
At the undergraduate commencement exercises on Sunday more than 3,200 students earned their degrees.
Giovanni Feroce, chief executive officer of Alex and Ani, was the main commencement speaker. The 1991 URI graduate is a retired United States Army Major who served two tours in Iraq and as an operations officer at U.S. Central Command. Feroce also has had more than 20 years of experience in the retail and consumer products industries.
Honorary Doctorate degrees were be conferred upon Feroce and Carolyn Rafaelian, the founder of Alex and Ani, who will also share a few words with the graduates. Other Honorary Doctorate degree recipients were Mary Kennard, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel, of American University, who was a former vice president at the University of Rhode Island; Robert A. DiMuccio, Chairman, President, CEO, Amica Mutual Insurance Company; and Franklin Wallace Simon, President, The Simon Companies.
Before and after the main exercises, students joined classmates at their individual academic college ceremonies, where families and friends saw the important moment - when their student crossed the stage to receive a degree.
The decision to move commencement to the Ryan Center this year reflects the ongoing assessment of safety and security measures across the University.
Watch the 2013 Commencement Ceremony
Graduate Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - The Ryan Center
12:15 p.m. Candidates assemble
1 p.m. Commencement begins
Undergraduate Ceremonies
Sunday, May 19, 2013
9:30 a.m. - College of Engineering, Mackal Field House
10 a.m. - College of Continuing Education, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall
10 a.m. - College of Nursing, Keaney Gymnasium
10 a.m. - Main Ceremony; Doors open at Ryan Center for students, guests with tickets
10 a.m. - Edwards Auditorium and Memorial Union Rams Den open for livecast
11:30 a.m. - Mackal Field House, Keaney Gymnasium, Fine Arts Center open for livecast
12:30 p.m. Main Commencement Ceremony begins, Ryan Center
12:30 p.m. - University-wide commencement ceremony begins and is livecast
2:30 p.m. - College ceremonies continue
Speakers & Honored Guests
- Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce
- Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder and Creative Director, Alex and Ani
- Robert A. DiMuccio, Chairman, President, CEO, Amica Mutual Insurance Company
- Mary E. Kennard, Esq., Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, American University
- Franklin Wallace Simon '50, a U.S. Army veteran and President of the Simon Companies.
Information
Link here to directly download a booklet of information about the 2013 Commencement ceremonies.
Download a Map for Ceremonies.
Senior Challenge
The 2013 Rhody Senior Class Challenge is on! Started by your fellow students, this challenge wants to raise far more than just money. Show Your Spirit 2013!
