A line of students from the Class of 2023 packed the Michael E. and Karen L. Fisher Student Center’s patio last week, waiting to pick up caps, gowns, and academic regalia for Bryant’s graduate and undergraduate commencements. On May 18 and 20, the university will award diplomas to 164 graduate school students and 793 undergraduates — a class of individuals that include 170 student-athletes, 12 veterans, and representation from 28 states and 18 countries; Bryant also conferred 48 degrees to students in its Physician Assistant program in March.
Graduate school commencement
Bryant’s graduate school ceremony kicks off Commencement Weekend on May 18. With faculty and staff lining the archway’s walk for the Class of 2023 procession, students will step through the wrought iron structure for the first time since arriving on campus. Legend has it that passing through the archway prior to Commencement is bad luck.
Following the symbolic walk to the main tent, the graduate school ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are not required for the ceremony, but guests should be seated by 4:30 p.m. Alan Litwin ’87MST, a Bryant alum who now serves as managing director of KLR, an accounting firm in Providence, will speak at the ceremony and receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration. At 6 p.m. following the hour-long ceremony, graduates, families, and friends are invited to the Graduate School Reception in the Heidi and Walter Stepan Grand Hall.
Undergraduate commencement
Free of finals and focused on spending time with friends, Bryant’s senior week festivities roll out in style and include a food truck festival, senior ball, Champagne toast, and evening at Patriot Place. On May 19, graduates, families, and friends are invited to attend a Baccalaureate Service at 4 p.m. in the main tent, which will be led by Bryant chaplains and feature music, readings, and reflection.
After the Baccalaureate Service, the President’s Reception opens to all at 5 p.m. in Salmanson Dining Hall. Honorary degree recipients, trustees, faculty members, and staff will be present, giving seniors time to gather with professors and other members of Bryant’s community who played an important part in their education.
On Commencement Day, after a trip under the archway, the Class of 2023’s Meghan Seligman will deliver the Student Charge — a speech annually given by a member of the graduating class. Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee will deliver the undergraduate commencement address and receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration. Additionally, two Bryant alums, Carmen Sylvester ’89, President and CEO of Alltrust Credit Union, and William Piccerelli ’64, P’88, partner at Marcum, will receive Honorary Doctorates in Business Administration.
Tickets for the main tent ceremony are limited to five guests per student; however, additional guests can visit the Academic Innovation Center Forum or the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center for alternate, non-ticketed viewing options. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremonies will be live-streamed through Bryant’s Commencement website.
Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served at the George E. Bello Patio. Here, the Class of 2023 can take part in the New Alumni Reception before setting course on their next big adventure.
To learn more about Bryant’s 2023 Commencement ceremonies, visit commencement.bryant.edu.
