Commencement Procession

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.

1. Gather With Your Class | 8:30 a.m.

Alumni assemble by class year at designated locations. (Look for your class signs.) Check back soon for more details on location assignments.

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.

As part of Brown’s commitment to a safe and celebratory environment, any Brown community members who plan to march in the Procession are required to register and wear official event identification. This new process helps the University to better serve all attendees at this beloved annual event.