Graduates smiling and making peace sign.
Graduates were all smiles as they processed toward the Commencement tent on the morning of May 20. Seniors, who cited feelings of excitement and nostalgia, waved to and hugged faculty members who lined the walkway just past Bryant’s archway.
Class of 2023: Scenes from Commencement Week at Bryant
May 26, 2023, by Emma Bartlett

A million little moments made up Bryant’s Commencement and senior week from May 15 to May 20. From photoshoots by the university's globe to time spent with friends in the Adirondack chairs surrounding the pond, seniors relaxed and enjoyed their remaining days on campus. Here are some of the snapshots capturing last week’s highlights. 

 

Food trucks by pond with students.
Finally done with finals, graduates kicked off senior week with a food truck festival on May 15. Seniors enjoyed donuts, coffee, and other delicious delights while taking advantage of the 70-degree weather. When students weren’t eating by the pond and chatting with friends, they were listening to live music and playing games. 
Ross raising Champagne glass.
Seniors raise their glasses for a toast to the Class of 2023; graduates were invited to the Callahan House, where the university’s president resides, for a Champagne toast on May 17.
Graduate ceremony decorated cap.
Seniors at the Graduate Commencement on May 18 added a bit of flair to their caps, which included words of encouragement and wisdom. 
Commencement ball with seniors.
On May 18, with two days left before graduating, the Class of 2023 dressed to the nines for their senior ball at Gillette Stadium where they enjoyed a sit-down dinner and an evening of dancing. (Back row from left) Patricia Adesanya, Grant Dubiel, Lily LaGoy, Jihad Edmond, and Cianni Thomas. (Front row from left) Devon Cunningham Jr. and Kenny Dyson Jr. 
Tupper and Allison Butler pose for selfie.
Bryant’s bulldog mascot, Tupper, poses for a selfie with Psychology Professor Allison Butler, Ph.D., outside Academic Hall on graduation day. Tupper, who’s ready to watch the Class of 2023 cross the stage, spent the morning of Commencement high-fiving students and taking pictures with their families.
Class of 2023 flag.
(From left) Dana Jurgielewicz, Nicholas Albanese, and Lindsey Shearstone carry the Class of 2023 flag through the crowd, leading graduates toward the Commencement tent; the flag commemorates two of Bryant’s traditions — the archway and Tupper, the bulldog mascot. 
Graduates seated under Commencement tent
At Bryant’s 160th Undergraduate Commencement, seniors look toward the stage and listen to messages from President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., Governor Daniel McKee, and fellow classmate Meghan Seligman ’23. Their speeches captured the Class of 2023’s accomplishments and resilience while also challenging grads to lead and inspire others. 
Shaking hand with President
Actuarial Mathematics major Jordan Smith shakes hands with Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. Smith was one of two students who received the SAS Institute Award, which is given to individuals who demonstrate superior achievement in the study of applied mathematics and statistics. 
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