Honorary Degree Recipients
- Gina McCarthy - Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa Undergraduate Speaker Gina McCarthy, a leading advocate for the protection of public health and the environment, will be the featured speaker for URI's 2018 undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20. Read More
- Dr. Dharam V. Ablashi - Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa Dr. Ablashi is a renowned virologist and humanitarian who has influenced the lives of thousands of people within the field of immunovirology research and beyond. Read More
- Akihiro Nikkaku - Doctor of Business, Honoris Causa As the chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Toray Industries Inc., Mr. Nikkaku is a visionary business leader who supports innovative technologies that address global environmental issues. Read More
- Anne Mimi Sammis - Doctor of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa Anne Mimi Sammis is a Rhode Island-based painter and sculptor whose work is commissioned around the world, and whose willingness to share her gifts and support others’ creativity has inspired thousands. Read More
- Jim Taricani - Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa Jim Taricani is a former investigative journalist whose integrity and unwavering courage in pursuit of the truth has long set him apart in his profession and beyond. Read More
Graduate Commencement Speaker
- Maureen Moakley - URI professor Maureen Moakley’s keen insights into politics and government have taken her far beyond the classroom — from the fractious halls of the Rhode Island Statehouse, to the colorful streets of Havana and beyond. Read More
Student Speakers
- Oleg Kazakov - Graduate Student Speaker Oleg Kazakov, a University of Rhode Island doctoral student from Moscow who will receive a Ph.D. in chemistry, has been selected as student speaker for the 2018 Graduate School Commencement on Saturday, May 19, in the Ryan Center. Read More
- Ellis Iacono - Undergraduate Student Speaker Ellis Iacono, a biology and journalism double major from Barrington, Rhode Island, was chosen by the URI Student Senate to represent the Class of 2018 as its student speaker. Read More