A celebratory weekend: Commencement and Reunion 2026

The School of Public Health's largest ever graduating class was honored at Brown University's 258th Commencement and Reunion Weekend, held May 22–24, 2026. This year’s festivities were a profound testament to the resilience, dedication and vibrance that define Brown's public health community.

Commencement and Reunion Weekend is a time of immense pride and celebration for Brown University graduates and alumni, as well as their families and friends.  A little rain was no match for the radiant joy of the Brown community this year, as the public health community gathered to celebrate undergraduate, Master's and doctoral graduates. Between forums, processions and family gatherings, it was an unforgettable weekend. 

Whether you're looking to relive a favorite School of Public Health Commencement moment or catch what you missed, highlights, photo galleries, videos and milestones are gathered below.

Kicking off the weekend in style

Held under a white tent on historic Market Square, the School of Public Health's Friday evening Community Celebration featured the presentation of student and alumni awards and addresses by three student speakers. The annual event welcomes SPH alumni back to campus and starts Commencement Weekend off on a festive note.

Champions of health equity

Alumnae Hall on Brown University's Pembroke Campus was filled with joyful celebration and pride on Saturday as the School of Public Health's graduating Health Equity Scholars in the MPH program and NextGen Scholars in the biostatistics Sc.M. program received their Commencement stoles in a special ceremony. They were cheered on by family, friends, mentors and program alumni. The event also featured student speakers and highlighted the 5th anniversary of Brown's Health Equity Scholars program.

Thought-provoking forums

Led by faculty, alumni and distinguished guests, academic and topical colloquia are a Commencement Saturday tradition. The School of Public Health's 2026 sponsored forum, The Future of Maternal and Reproductive Health in the U.S., featured five Brown alumni working across disciplines, on the current maternal and reproductive health crisis facing the U.S., and strategies for building a future that values and supports maternal and reproductive health. The forum was co-sponsored by Brown's AIM Lab, which works to bridge the gap between academic research and the front lines of clinical care and policy. Watch the forum now.

2026 Commencement Forum

 

Brown SPH and the AIM Lab welcome alumni from across disciplines for The Future of Maternal and Reproductive Health in the U.S..

The conferring of degrees

At Brown's Master's Ceremony on Saturday and Doctoral Ceremony on Sunday, public health graduates joined their peers from across the University in processions led by bag-pipers and joy-filled ceremonies cheered on by family and faculty mentors.

Public health ceremony honors Class of 2026

Held at the Rhode Island Convention Center (and out of the rain!), the largest ever School of Public Health graduating class was honored Sunday at the school's annual Commencement Ceremony and Reception. Over 400 graduates, representing undergraduate, Master's and doctoral public health programs, were hosted by Dean Francesca Beaudoin and cheered on by faculty, friends and family members.