Every spring, alumni from across generations return to College Hill for this beloved Brown tradition.
Commencement Procession
Your guide to the Commencement Procession. Explore the history of this Brown tradition, the “inverted sock” maneuver, and how alumni can participate.
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An Iconic Tradition & History
The Commencement Procession is the marquee event of Commencement and Reunion Weekend—and a tradition nearly as old as the University itself. It is a bridge between generations of Brunonians: as graduating students walk through the Van Wickle Gates and down the hill to begin their lives as alumni, they are greeted by crowds of Brown alumni who walked the same path years before.
How It Works: From Faunce Arch to the “Inverted Sock”
Where other graduation processions follow a linear path, Brown’s Commencement Procession opts for a more nuanced approach—fondly known as “the inverted sock”—that creates a special, mutual celebration where every participant has the chance to both cheer for their fellow Brunonians and be cheered on themselves.
Led by the Chief Marshal, the first group to depart from Faunce Arch and pass through the Van Wickle Gates is the presidential party with Corporation members and Brown administrative leaders. Once they have passed through the gates, they then step to the sides of the street and turn inward, lining the Procession path to greet and celebrate the next cohorts:
- faculty division
- medical graduates
- doctoral graduates
- alumni classes
- master’s graduates
- graduating seniors
Each group marches through the gates and divides further down the hill, lining the street to cheer on those that follow them.
Once the seniors pass through and form their ranks lining the sides of the street, the true inversion begins. (Imagine the cuff of the sock is now folding inside itself.) The Chief Marshal and their party step off again, turning inward to lead the presidential party through the lined streets of celebrants, with the faculty and then the alumni falling behind. By the completion of the “inverted sock” formation, each individual participant has cheered on everyone else, and has been cheered for by the rest of the community.
Behind the scenes with aides and marshals
Get ready with our aides and marshals as they prepare to lead the way during the Procession.
Schedule of Events: The "Step-Off" Guide
1. Gather With Your Class | 8:30 a.m.
Alumni assemble by class year at designated locations. (Look for your class signs.) Recent grads through the 40th Reunion will assemble on Brown Street (between George and Power streets). 45th+ Reunion classes will assemble in front of Rhode Island Hall on the College Green.
2. Stepping Off | 9:45 a.m.
The Procession officially steps off promptly at 9:45 a.m, led by the Chief Marshal from Faunce Arch. Behind the marshal are the University president, members of Brown’s Corporation, senior leaders, and faculty. Graduate and doctoral students follow.
3. Alumni Join | 10 a.m. (approximate)
Reunion and alumni classes begin to step off and proceed toward the Van Wickle Gates, leading with the earliest class years. Master’s graduates follow.
4. Graduating Seniors | 10:50 a.m. (approximate)
Finally, the graduating class passes through the Van Wickle Gates, greeted by cheers and high-fives from alumni lining the streets.
5. Inversion Begins | 11:20 a.m. (approximate)
After the graduating seniors pass through, the alumni join the Procession again behind the newest grads.
Related Events & Information
Every Reunion Weekend, thousands gather under the stars for this outdoor ball on Brown University’s College Hill for a night of celebration.
Medical alumni are invited to reconnect with Brown and each other through Reunion festivities.