View the ceremony and see photos from the event.
Brown University celebrated the start of the 2021-22 academic year with the 258th Opening Convocation on Monday, September 6, 2021.
President Christina H. Paxson welcomed the newest Brunonians to campus, and Chair and Professor of Africana Studies Noliwe Rooks delivered the event’s keynote address.
President Christina H. Paxson, Professor of Africana Studies Noliwe Rooks and other Brown leaders welcomed incoming undergraduate, graduate and medical students on Monday, September 6.
President Christina H. Paxson welcomes everyone to Brown’s 258th Opening Convocation and the start of the 2021-22 academic year.
Graduate students carry the Graduate School banner during the Convocation procession.
Members of the Class of 2025 carry their class banner through the Van Wickle Gates.
Students carrying Brown pennants pass through the Van Wickle Gates onto College Green.
Students wave Brown pennants as they head to Convocation, while members of the Brown community (including President Christina H. Paxson, left) cheer them on.
Students carrying the banner for Transfer and Visiting Students process to Convocation.
The September 6 Opening Convocation event followed the University’s health and safety protocols, which requires masks for all individuals when indoors and outdoors for those who are not yet vaccinated and cannot maintain social distance. Brown currently has a more than 97% vaccination rate among students, and 95% for faculty and staff.
Chair and Professor of Africana Studies Noliwe Rooks delivers the keynote address during the 2021 Opening Convocation.
Students, faculty and staff gather in front of Faunce Steps on the College Green for the 2021 Opening Convocation ceremony.