The Brown Alumni Association established the William Rogers Award in 1984 to recognize an outstanding alumna or alumnus whose service to society in general is representative of the words of the Brown Charter: living a life “of usefulness and reputation.” It recognizes important contributions to humankind made by Brown alumni anywhere in the world.
Roger Williams was the first Rhode Islander. In a neat bit of symmetry, William Rogers was the first Brunonian, enrolling in 1765. Rogers was the only student attending the new college for the first nine months, and when he graduated with six other men in 1769, he gave the first Commencement oration. In 1790 Rogers became president of oratory and belles-lettres at the University of Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1811. He served as vice president of the Society for Gradual Abolition of Slavery, and in 1797 he was vice president of the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons. He died on April 7, 1824.
Cecile L. Richards ’80 LHD’10 hon. is receiving the William Rogers Award posthumously, honoring her extraordinary impact as an activist for women’s rights and economic justice. As president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America for 12 years, Richards expanded access to reproductive health care and led the organization into its second century, growing its supporter base from 2.5 million to nearly 12 million. She co-founded Supermajority and Charley, advocating for women’s political power and abortion access. Even after her diagnosis with brain cancer in 2023, Richards co-founded Abortion in America to amplify the impact of post-Roe abortion bans. Her legacy includes receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor. She is survived by her husband, Kirk, and their three children— Lily, Hannah, and Daniel.