Commencement

Baccalaureate

Brown University’s Baccalaureate Service embraces lively expressions of thanksgiving, harmony and rhythm and includes music, dance and spiritual readings.

Saturday, May 25, 2024

The Baccalaureate incorporates the many spiritual and cultural traditions of the Brown community. This multifaith service for undergraduates opens with the Chinese lion dance, bearing blessing and congratulations to the graduates as they noisily cavort to expel all unworthiness. The service continues with rituals, readings and prayers from Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and animist traditions, as well as choral and instrumental music, the Chinese lion dance, poetry, dance and Taiko and Senegalese drumming.

The service starts off on Waterman Street with a procession that leads seniors from campus to the First Baptist Church of America. Only undergraduates will be allowed into the church as there is limited seating capacity inside. All guests and family members are invited to watch the service from Front Green, where the event will be simulcast. In addition, Salomon will be open to guests who wish to view simulcast of the service indoors.

Speaker

One of the highlights of the Baccalaureate Service is the keynote address. The 2024 Baccalaureate speaker will be announced closer to Commencement.

Schedule

11:00 a.m.

Seating on Front Green opens to guests and families (ushers will be available to distribute programs at this time)

Noon

Seniors line up on Waterman Street in graduation regalia (gowns only)

12:15 p.m.

Procession of graduates goes down Waterman to the First Baptist Church of America

1:00 p.m.

Baccalaureate Service begins (approximate time)

2:30 p.m.

Service ends (approximate time)