URI to say goodbye to the class of 2024 this weekend in Kingston

KINGSTON — The University of Rhode Island is redefining its commencement tradition, promising a more intimate and personalized experience for graduates and their families as the school says goodbye to the class of 2024 this weekend.

From Friday to Sunday, the

Thomas M. Ryan Center at URI’S Kingston campus will be the epicenter of celebration as over 3,000 graduates mark the completion of their academic journeys. This year, URI has shifted from a single, largescale event to a segmented, college-based ceremony format, based on extensive

feedback from the university community.

“We have spoken with dozens of recent graduates and their families about their commencement experiences, and we have engaged in conversations with current students, faculty, and staff,” said President Marc Parlange. “The new format is the result of their feedback and ideas. We are confident this will provide a better overall experience for our graduates and guests, and we are so excited to celebrate with them.”

Each of the eight ceremonies, tailored to the respective colleges, ensures that graduates will enjoy the pomp and circumstance of a traditional commencement, including processions, recessionals, and the calling of their names. This approach also guarantees that unpredictable New England weather won’t dampen spirits, as all events will be held indoors at the Ryan Center, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all attendees.

Among the highlights of the weekend will be the recognition of distinguished individuals with honorary degrees. Viola Davis, Deborah Goodrich Royce, and Charles M. “Chuck” Royce will be honored for their significant contributions in the fields of performing arts, literature and community revitalization, and business and philanthropy, respectively.

A particularly inspiring moment for one local family will be the speech by Narragansett student Victoria Fulfer, who is graduating with a PH.D. in oceanography. Fulfer is one of the eight students selected by the university to speak during this week’s commencement ceremonies. She will give her speech during the joint College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography ceremony on Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m.

“I’m really excited and honored to speak at commencement. URI has completely changed my professional and personal life, so I really have a deep love for the URI community,” Fulfer said this week.

Fulfer, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Rhode Island for her undergraduate studies and stayed on for graduate school, completing both her master’s and PH.D. at URI.

“Living in Narragansett and being so close to the ocean has significantly influenced my academic and personal development. I wouldn’t have pursued oceanography if I hadn’t come here,” she said.

Fulfer’s journey at URI included notable research on microplastic pollution in Narragansett Bay, a project she is particularly proud of.

“We mapped modern-day pollution and looked at historic pollution over time, seeing how plastic pollution has increased. It was really nice to work on something that directly impacted the Rhode Island community,” she said.

Beyond her academic achievements, Fulfer was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the Graduate Student Organization at the Graduate School of Oceanography, where she helped plan events.

She also enjoyed surfing, playing volleyball, and exploring the outdoors with fellow students.

“It was great because they let me meet people from different fields of study doing very different things and from all over the world. It was really fun to interact and become friends with people of different backgrounds,” Fulfer added.

In her commencement speech, Fulfer plans to share the message of resilience and adaptability of the graduates.

“I’ll highlight how the different challenges and changes over the past few years have shaped us and how we, as graduates, can be a light in the future and push our fields forward to make positive changes in the world,” she revealed.

After graduation, Fulfer will stay in Rhode Island to work as a plastic science project manager for the 5 Gyres Institute, continuing her work in plastic pollution research. Her longterm goal is to remain in marine science, focusing on pollution and mitigation, either with a nonprofit or at a university.

For incoming freshmen at URI, Fulfer’s advice is to keep an open mind about their future paths.

“When I came in as a freshman, I wanted to be a medical doctor. Now I’m an oceanographer. Exploring new opportunities can lead you to discover what you truly love,” she advised.

The weekend’s festivities begin on Friday, with the College of Business ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by the College of Pharmacy at 3 p.m.. The schedule continues on Saturday, featuring the College of Arts and Sciences at 10 a.m., the College of Nursing at 3 p.m., and the College of Engineering at 6 p.m..

On Sunday, the College of Health Sciences will hold its ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education at 2 p.m., and conclude with the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography at 5 p.m.

“I hope all our graduates take advantage of graduation events, gatherings, and networking opportunities. I hope they are active and engaged participants in the weekend’s activities,” Parlange said. “They worked hard to get to this moment, so they should take the time to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends. I hope they also take a moment to reflect on their journey, acknowledge their hard work, and look forward to the next chapter with optimism and enthusiasm.”