Robert Ballard, Ph.D. ’75, Hon. ’86 - Commencement Speaker
While perhaps best known for his 1985 discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic's final resting place, Robert Ballard believes his most important discoveries were of hydrothermal vents and "black smokers" in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979, along with the exotic life-forms living there. As an ocean explorer, discoverer, and historian, he has made it possible for others to explore the ocean’s mysteries through his commitment to outreach programs, teaching, and service.
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Barnaby M. Evans - Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Creator, artist, and visionary, Barnaby Evans’ impact on the state of Rhode Island and its capital city has been immeasurable. Originally trained as an environmental scientist, the artist behind WaterFire had an early career in photography, exhibiting his work worldwide before exploring more site-specific sculpture installations, landscape, architectural, and design projects, and conceptual works.
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Afua Ansong - Graduate Student Speaker
When Afua (Rachel) Ansong addresses the 2022 Graduate School Commencement on May 21, the idea of journey and origins will be central to her theme – the path she has taken in becoming a Ghanaian American writer, that of her grandmother in Ghana, the travels of Adinkra symbols that were indigenous to the Akan people of Ghana, and the journey she and her fellow graduates are embarking on.
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Brian Martin - Undergraduate Student Speaker
Along with being an orientation leader and tour guide, Martin has served as vice president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and the Student Entertainment Committee, and as a peer leader in the leadership studies program. He was also one of 10 students featured in an episode of “The College Tour” that provided a virtual tour of the University that was shown on Amazon’s streaming platform. On Sunday, May 22, his love for the University will be a central theme as Martin delivers his undergraduate commencement speech on the Quadrangle.
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