KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 10, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 550 undergraduate and graduate students during its 2025 Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m., in the Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus.
URI President Marc Parlange will preside over the ceremony, which will include remarks from URI Board of Trustees member Maria Ducharme, president of The Miriam Hospital in Providence and the chief quality executive for the not-for-profit Brown University Health System, and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Wolfe.
Abby Forget, an undergraduate student from Newark, Delaware, and Iris Ribeiro, a graduate student from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, will address their classmates as student commencement speakers. Forget, a student in URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media, is a double major and will receive bachelor’s degrees in sports media and communications and public relations. Ribeiro will receive a Master of Arts degree in English.
URI’s fall commencement was added as a new tradition to the annual commencement calendar in 2023, allowing the University to recognize students who complete their degrees in the fall and might not be able to return for the spring commencement ceremony. On average, more than 90 percent of URI graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of their URI graduation.
The ceremony has proven to be popular with students and families and has seen participation grow steadily since its inception. Approximately 3,000 friends and family are expected to join this year’s festivities to cheer on the graduates.
URI’s fall commencement features one, unified ceremony that honors doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree candidates. Spring commencement ceremonies are set for May 15-17, 2026. Graduates who participate in the fall ceremony may also return for the spring program.
Parking and other information
Parking: Guests are asked to park in Lot 25 (Plains Road).
Ryan Center bag policy: Guests attending commencement will be subject to the standard Ryan Center bag policy and are permitted one clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12”x6”x12”; or one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12”x12”; or one, one-gallon clear plastic bag. A small clutch no larger than 4.5”x6.5” may also be carried in addition to one clear bag. Diaper bags (with child) and bags approved for medical needs will be permitted after a search by security personnel. All other bags, backpacks, totes, and coolers are strictly prohibited. An exception will be made for empty plastic water bottles of up to 32 ounces.
A note to members of the media: Registration is required; media credentials and parking will be provided on an as-available basis. Office of External Relations and Communications staff will be on hand to assist with media seating and camera locations. Contact Dawn Bergantino at 401-874-4147 or dawn_bergantino@uri.edu to make arrangements.