Reunion Weekend 2023
That's a wrap! It was a beautiful weekend full of hugs, high-fives, and happiness.
Reunions
Classes ending in 3 and 8 and recent grads were welcomed back to campus May 26-28, 2023.
Reunions
Classes ending in 3 and 8 and recent grads were welcomed back to campus May 26-28, 2023.
See Weekend Highlights
Reunion 2023: Joy and connection on College Hill
More than 5,000 alumni and guests rediscovered their cherished ties to Brown at events ranging from favorites like Campus Dance, forums, and affinity group celebrations, to new events like the first-ever Bruno’s Block Party and Pub Night.
More Reunion Fun
Your Reunion Soundtrack
Rewind to your years on campus with top hits from the year you graduated. Songs were curated from alumni submissions as well as Billboard's Top 100.
Weekend Schedule
See what's in store across campus.
8:30 a.m. – midnight
Maddock Alumni Center Open
Maddock Alumni Center, 38 Brown Street (corner of George)
Alumni are invited to visit the official alumni hospitality center for Reunion Weekend. Reunion student staff are available throughout the weekend to offer assistance with event locations, provide directions around campus and in Providence, and answer any questions you may have concerning Reunion Weekend.
noon – 9 p.m.
Reunion Check-In Open
Wriston Quadrangle
Receive all your purchased event tickets, along with your name tag and class button. Step into the Reunion Shop to browse a wide array of Reunion keepsakes and mementos.
NEW! All classes will check in under the tent on Wriston Quad. For Saturday arrivals, all classes will also check in on Wriston Quad.
noon – 2 p.m.
Open House and Tea at Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender
Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender, 26 Benevolent Street
Stop by for tea and cookies. While you’re here, relax in the cozy lounge, check out the library, and learn about the Center’s resources and programs. Alumni involved with the Sarah Doyle Center can pick up a commemorative keychain.
1 p.m.
Jumu’ah Prayer
Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center, Kasper Multipurpose Room
1 – 3 p.m.
Swearer Center Commencement Open House
Swearer Center, 2 Stimson Avenue
We invite all alumni to visit the Swearer Center for Public Service. Learn about our programs and fellowships, connect with staff, and meet some of our current and graduating students.
2:30 p.m.
Office of Military-Affiliated Students, Graduating Veterans & ROTC Recognition Ceremony
Metcalf Research Building, Friedman Auditorium, Room 101, 190 Thayer Street
The Brown community is invited to attend a recognition ceremony for graduating veteran students and commissioning ROTC cadets. In addition to the formal speaking program and cord presentation, the event also features the commissioning of Brown's first ever female Air Force cadet. A reception in the atrium immediately follows. This event is open to all Brown community members and their families.
4 – 5 p.m.
The Program in Medieval Studies Alumni Reunion Lecture
Rhode Island Hall, Room 108
You are cordially invited to a presentation by and for alumni who concentrated in Medieval Studies, Medieval Cultures, and Late Antique Cultures. Laura Saetveit Miles ’03, Professor of British Literature at the University of Bergen, Norway will give a talk on “Who Was Medieval England’s Most Popular Woman Writer?”
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Engineering Alumni Reception
Engineering Research Center, Hazeltine Commons, 345 Brook Street
All engineering alumni and guests are invited to reconnect with the Brown engineering community over wine and cheese.
5 – 6 p.m.
Watson Institute's Alumni Cocktail Reception
The Agora — Stephen Robert '62 Hall
Join Director Edward S. Steinfeld to celebrate Watson Institute alumni during the 2022-23 Reunion and Commencement weekend.
5 – 7 p.m.
BEMS Alumni Open House
Brown EMS Station at the Wellness Center
Brown EMS graduating seniors, alumni, and their families are invited to drop by the station and visit with the current EMS team. Look around and learn about updates about EMS operations.
5 p.m.
Hillel Welcome Reception
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), 80 Brown Street
Enjoy a wine and cheese reception in honor of the class of 2023 and all returning alumni. L’chaim! For more information, call +1 (401) 863-2805 or email info@brownrisdhillel.org.
5 p.m.
Brown Parking Lots Open
Brown parking lots open for use by Reunion and Commencement guests throughout the weekend.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Department of Computer Science 44th Anniversary Reunion
Watson Center for Information Technology (CIT), 115 Waterman Street (3rd, 4th, and 5th floors)
Come celebrate with Computer Science alumni, faculty, students, and friends! Directions to the Center for Information Technology are on our website, and please contact dept@cs.brown.edu or +1 (401) 863-7600 for more information.
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Chemistry Alumni Reception
MacMillan lobby (outside of MM115)
The Department of Chemistry warmly welcomes all alumni and friends of the department.
6 – 8 p.m.
Visual Art and History of Art and Architecture Student and Alumni Reception
List Art Building, 64 College Street
Before heading to Campus Dance, please join the History of Art and Architecture (HIAA) and Visual Art (VISA) departments for drinks, light fare, and reminiscing on the terrace of the List Art Building.
6:15 p.m.
Shabbat Evening Services
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), Meeting Room & Chapel, 80 Brown Street
Welcome Shabbat with song and prayer.
7 – 9 p.m.
WBRU Reunion Reception
WBRU, 88 Benevolent Street
Catch up with fellow alumni and mingle with current and former BRU staffers. There will be an open bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres available throughout the evening, so you can relax and enjoy catching up with old friends and acquaintances. In addition to the socializing and networking opportunities, we will also be showcasing the workshop’s progress this year. You will have the chance to learn more about what we’ve been up to, wander through the studios, and see how you can be involved with the future of WBRU!
7 – 10 p.m.
Brown Bears Reunion Social
Giancarlo Plaza Tent, 345 Brook Street
Join fellow alumni student-athletes, coaches, and staff for drinks and snacks. Student-athletes from all graduation years are invited to stop by before heading to Campus Dance.
Sponsored by the Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF).
7:30 p.m.
Hillel Community Kiddush and Shabbat Dinner
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), Social Hall, 80 Brown Street
Celebrate with a delicious Shabbat meal. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for Shabbat meals ($36/adults, $18/students and children): tinyurl.com/bddwvakv. For more information, call +1 (401) 863-2805 or email info@brownrisdhillel.org.
8 – 9 p.m.
Unity Celebration
Maddock Alumni Center Garden Tent, 38 Brown Street
Celebrate the diversity of Brown’s student and alumni community with Brown’s alumni affinity groups: Asian/Asian American Alumni Alliance, Brown University Latino Alumni Council, Inman Page Black Alumni Council, Native American Brown Alumni, and Brown Alumni Pride Association. Enjoy a presentation of gifts to representatives from the graduating Class of 2023. Raise a glass to Brown’s alumni leaders and graduates in recognition of their accomplishments.
Co-sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association, the LGBTQ Center, and the Brown Center for Students of Color (formerly the Third World Center).
9 p.m. – midnight
Brown Center for Students of Color (BCSC) Reception
Brown Center for Students of Color, Partridge Hall, 68 Brown Street
Take a break from Campus Dance and stop by the BCSC (formerly the Third World Center). Mingle with classmates and friends, enjoy music and refreshments, and celebrate the rich legacy of the center.
Co-sponsored by the BCSC and the Brown Alumni Association.
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Campus Dance
The College Green and Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle
One of Brown’s best-loved Reunion Weekend traditions, Campus Dance brings more than 11,000 people out to dance the night away under a sky lit with hundreds of paper lanterns. Tables for each Reunion class are reserved throughout the College Green and Simmons Quad (Lincoln Field), and there are five beverage areas throughout the Dance. Tickets not purchased in advance will go on sale beginning at 8:30 p.m. at the entrances on George Street and at Faunce Arch.
Sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association.
Note: To ensure the safety of our guests, no backpacks, glass bottles, or beverages are allowed into the Dance. Bags will be checked at the entrance, so please allow additional time for entry.
7 – 9:30 a.m.
Reunion and Commencement Weekend Breakfast
Sharpe Refectory
All are welcome! Get energized for the day with a hot breakfast buffet including pancakes, eggs, home fries, fruit, muffins, cereal, coffee, juice, and more. Tickets available at the door.
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reunion Check-In for All Classes
Wriston Quadrangle
Registration continues for late arrivals.
8:30 a.m. – midnight
Maddock Alumni Center Open
Maddock Alumni Center, 38 Brown Street
Alumni information and hospitality center for Reunion Weekend.
8:30 a.m.
All-Class Memorial Service
Sayles Hall
This meaningful ceremony is officiated by University Chaplain Janet Cooper Nelson and features instrumental music selections from University Organist Mark Steinbach and select readings by alumni leaders.
9 a.m.
Catholic Community Open House
Brown-RISD Catholic Center, 51 Prospect Street (corner of Prospect & Olive streets)
Alumni, graduating seniors, and their families are invited to the Brown-RISD Catholic Center to see our new space and chat over coffee and pastries.
10 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Services, Conservative and Orthodox
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), 80 Brown Street
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Brown University Latino Alumni Council (BULAC) Family Breakfast
Front Green (near Rhode Island Hall)
BULAC alumni, their families, and students will come together in community to welcome our new Class of 2023 alumni and strengthen our connections with one another. Families and loved ones are welcome.
10 – 11 a.m.
Honoring Elias Abarbanel-Wolff '00
Brown-RISD Hillel, Goldfarb Family Social Hall, 80 Brown Street
This memorial program will celebrate the life and legacy of Eli Wolff ’00, beloved member of the Brown community, co-chair of the emerging disability and neurodiversity alumni affinity group, and a leading advocate for athletes with disabilities worldwide. University Chaplain Janet Cooper Nelson will be officiating, and kosher hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please register to attend in person or via Zoom.
10:30 a.m.
Delt Foundation Memorial Service
All members of the Brown community are welcome to join the Delt Foundation in remembrance of the Brown alumni lost in the 9/11 attacks: Donald Greene ’71, Chuck Margiotta ’79, Dave Laychak ’83, Joanne Weil ’84, Ray Rocha ’95, and Paul Sloan ’97. We will also remember Dimitri Gavriel ’97, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq. Gather at 10:15 a.m. at Wayland Arch and process to the memorial locust tree on Patriots Court.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Brown Alumni Pride Association (BAPA) Brunch and Reception
Stonewall House, 22 Benevolent Street
This annual tradition brings graduating students and their families together with alumni, faculty, administrators, and staff. Please join us in the brand new location of Brown’s LGBTQ Center at Stonewall House to relax and enjoy with friends old and new, to congratulate degree recipients—both undergraduate and graduate—and learn more about BAPA.
11 a.m. – noon
Recovery Meeting
Alumnae Hall, Commons Room, 194 Meeting Street
This is an all-recovery meeting for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and families who are in recovery from substance use or who have family or friends who use substances. All are welcome.
11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mellon Mays Commencement & Reunion Celebration
The Brown Faculty Club, 1 Bannister Street
Graduating seniors and their faculty mentors, returning Mellon alumni, and invited guests are welcome.
Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Bruno's Block Party
Surrounding areas near Brown Stadium
Craving some fun in the sun this Memorial Day weekend? Alumni in their 5th–35th Reunions and recent grads (Classes of 2019–2022) are invited to ring in the unofficial start of summer like true Rhode Islanders at this year’s new Ocean State–themed block party. Complete with food trucks, a 21+ beer garden, summertime tunes, and activities for the young and young-at-heart, this family-friendly celebration has a little something for everyone. Grab a Del’s lemonade—compliments of Bruno—as you head off to forge new friendships across the generations and reconnect with former classmates. Learn more.
3 – 5 p.m.
Open House and Tea at Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender
Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender, 26 Benevolent Street
Stop by for tea and cookies. While you’re here, relax in the cozy lounge, check out the library, and learn about the Center’s resources and programs. Alumni involved with the Sarah Doyle Center can pick up a commemorative keychain.
12:30 – 2 p.m.
Kiddush Luncheon
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), Social Hall/Terrace, 80 Brown Street
Join us for a kosher catered lunch. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for Shabbat Meals ($18/adult, $12/students and children): tinyurl.com/bddwvakv.
2:15 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service—Class of 2023
First Baptist Church in America
This multi-faith service incorporates many spiritual and cultural traditions and features student performers. The ceremony starts on the College Green with a procession that leads Class of 2023 graduates to the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church of America.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
It's a Family Affair: Perspectives from Two Generations on 60 Years of Black Legacy and History at Brown (Commencement Forum)
Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, Martinos Auditorium
Join members of the Bailey family as they reflect upon the history and evolution of the Black community at Brown (including student life, alumni engagement, and leadership) during the period from 1964 (when the first family member arrived at Brown) through today. Their experiences span Brown’s history as students, athletes, parents, and alumni as well as members of the Corporation of Brown University, Brown Alumni Association, President’s councils, Pembroke Center, and Inman Page Black Alumni Council.
Introduction by: Sylvia Carey-Butler, Ph.D.
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity and Inclusion at Brown University
Moderator: Christopher West, Ph.D. Inaugural Curator for the Black Diaspora at the John Hay Library, Brown University
Panelists: Bernicestine McLeod Bailey ’68, P’99 ’03, 2023 Honorary Degree recipient
Harold Bailey Jr. ’70, P’99 ’03, 1995 Honorary Degree recipient
Aisha D. Bailey ’99, D.O.
Harold Bailey III ’03, MBA
4 – 6 p.m.
BOLT Student-Alumni Reception
Location TBA
Past Brown Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT) leaders, participants, and families are invited to BOLT’s Reunion gathering. Meet old and new BOLT friends and learn what has been happening since you graduated. Refreshments provided.
4 – 6 p.m.
Brown Daily Herald Reunion
88 Benevolent Street
Catch up with old colleagues and reminisce about your days—and nights—at the paper. See The Herald's new office and hear about new initiatives at the paper! Refreshments will be served.
4 – 6 p.m.
Annual Asian / Asian American Alumni Alliance (A4) Commencement Celebration
Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center, Kasper Multipurpose Room, 75 Waterman Street
A4 will recognize members of the Class of 2023 and their families with an afternoon of hospitality and entertainment. Stop by to visit, watch student group performances, and enjoy light refreshments. Congratulate this year’s recipients of the annual A4 Community Contribution Award. Students, alumni, community members, and friends are welcome. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and help celebrate the accomplishments of Brown’s diverse community!
4 – 6 p.m.
Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship Commencement Reception & Startup Fair
Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, Liz Lange Lecture Hall & Davis Family Venture Lab Space, 1 Euclid Ave. (right across from the Brown Bookstore)
The Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship supports entrepreneurship as a central part of the Brown experience. Family, alumni, entrepreneurship-certificate students, and friends are welcome as we celebrate the Class of 2023. Don't miss this opportunity to visit our Startup Fair featuring Brown and RISD students and alumni.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
SPS Welcome Reception
225 Dyer Street, 5th & 4th floor
Join the School of Professional Studies in celebrating all of our past and present graduates and the communities that have supported them. Faculty, alumni, family, and friends are welcome. Drinks and hors-d’oeuvres will be served.
4:45 p.m.
Inman Page Black Alumni Council (IPC) Annual Meeting and Reception
Smith-Buonanno Hall, Room 106, 95 Cushing Street
The Inman Page Black Alumni Council, named after one of the first known Black graduates of Brown University (1877), welcomes all students and alumni to its annual meeting and business update. Learn about the IPC’s work and catch a preview of the upcoming Black Alumni Reunion in October.
5 – 6:30 p.m.
International Commencement and Reunion Reception
Rochambeau House
The International Advancement team welcomes graduating international students, their families, and returning international alumni to a garden reception with light refreshments.
6:30 – 7 p.m.
Memorial Service for Panetha Nychis Ott
Rochambeau House, Lower Garden, 84 Prospect Street
Following the International Alumni Reception, please join the Office of College Admission, friends, family, and fellow alumni for a memorial gathering in honor of Panetha Nychis Ott, Director of International Recruitment, who passed away in December 2022.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Natives at Brown Community Dinner
John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage, Nightingale-Brown House Lawn, 357 Benefit Street
(Tent available at 6 p.m. for early arrivals)
Celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2023 alongside their families, fellow alumni, faculty, and staff. This community celebration will welcome this year’s graduates into the native alumni community and honor their dedication and endeavors.
Co-sponsored by Native American Brown Alumni (NABA), the Brown Alumni Association, and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI).
6:30 p.m.
Third Meal
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), Social Hall/Terrace (weather permitting), 80 Brown Street
Enjoy the traditional third meal of Shabbat before sundown. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for Shabbat Meals ($12/person): tinyurl.com/bddwvakv. For more information, call +1 (401) 863-2805 or email info@brownrisdhillel.org.
9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Unity Funk Nite
Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center, Kasper Multipurpose Room, 75 Waterman Street
Groove to the best music of the ’70s through today at this revival of an old Brown tradition with a multicultural twist, featuring Garfield Davidson ’00 ("DJ GARF DIGGA"). The IPC, A4, BULAC, NABA, and BAPA come together to celebrate diversity in the Brown community.
Alumni, seniors, and families are welcome to this evening of dancing, music, and fun. This is a 21+ event.
Co-sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association.
7 – 9 a.m.
Pre-Commencement Procession Breakfast
Sharpe Refectory
All are welcome! Get energized for the day with a hot breakfast buffet. Choose from pancakes, eggs, home fries, fruit, muffins, cereal, coffee, juice, and lots more. Tickets available at the door.
8 a.m. – noon
Maddock Alumni Center Open
Maddock Alumni Center, 38 Brown Street (corner of George)
Alumni information and hospitality center for Reunion Weekend.
8 a.m.
Hillel Open House
Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center (Brown-RISD Hillel), 80 Brown Street
Stop by Hillel for a light breakfast on your way to the Green. We might be the closest coffee to Procession!
8 a.m.
Roman Catholic Mass
Manning Hall
9:30 a.m.
Commencement Procession Forms
George Street
One of Brown’s oldest and greatest traditions, the Procession brings together the entire Brown community. Don’t miss the opportunity to march with your classmates! Each class has a special place in the Procession, which travels from Waterman and George streets—passing by University Hall—through the Van Wickle Gates, and down College Hill.
The procession steps off promptly at 9:45 a.m. from Waterman Street, north of Faunce Arch. Alumni are asked to assemble at their assigned class locations on George Street by 9:30 a.m.
Commencement Forums
Brunonians of all generations headed back to the classroom for discussions led by alumni, faculty, and guests on a range of topics, including data science, health care as a human right, and epistemic reparations.
Class Events
From weekend kickoff events to dinner and dancing with your classmates, don’t miss the special celebrations your class has in the works. Pair your class events with the main Reunion "Weekend Schedule" below to start planning your itinerary.
Note: Each link in this section will take you to an external website.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/3FxFbhmUzYw
Reunion 2023: Welcome Back!
The Weekend is here—and Bruno is just about ready. Watch as our favorite brown bear prepares for the biggest outdoor party of the year, CampusDance!