Commencement Procession
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Commencement Procession, one of Brown's greatest and oldest traditions, brings together the entire Brown community —students, faculty, staff, and alumni—in a festive and joyous celebration. The procession steps off through Faunce Arch promptly at 9:45 a.m., led by the chief marshal, a member of the 50th reunion class. All graduating students march through the Van Wickle Gates, which swing open twice a year: inward to admit incoming students and outward to discharge the new graduates.
Over the past five years, Brown has changed several aspects of the Commencement Procession. The alumni division forms along the sidewalk in front of University Hall and extends back out the gate by Rhode Island Hall and along both sides of George Street toward Brown Street.
The alumni face north, looking from University Hall toward the Hope College Gate. When the faculty division has completely entered the Green and passed between Manning Chapel and University Hall (but before any of the student divisions has passed), the alumni fall in behind them. They turn left between University Hall and Manning Chapel and proceed down the hill toward the Van Wickle Gates.
After passing through the divided ranks of the Corporation and the faculty, the alumni will be divided on both sides of College Street. The Medical School, and graduating seniors will pass through the alumni ranks. As part of the inversion that completes the procession, alumni will in turn march through the divided ranks of the graduating seniors along Benefit Street, all to great mutual applause.
See the map below for an approximation of where your Reunion class will form. Generally, the most recent classes will form on George
Street while earlier classes will form on the Green. Look for your
Reunion class signs and your Reunion student staff member for
guidance.
See photos from last year's Procession:
Photo gallery I: Alumni Marshals Get Ready
Photo gallery II: Down the Hill
View a large map of the procession route here.
