Tsitsi Masiyiwa shares a smile with Bryant University President Ross Gittell during commencement.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa shares a smile with Bryant University President Ross Gittell during commencement.

Speakers and Honorees

Celebrate the voices and leaders who shape Commencement Weekend — keynote speakers, honorary degree recipients, and distinguished guests.

Celebrating the Voices That Inspire Bryant

Each year, Bryant University welcomes extraordinary leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose work shapes industries, communities, and the world. These speakers and honorary degree recipients remind us to think boldly, act with purpose, and imagine new possibilities.

Details about the 2026 Commencement speakers and honorees will be announced soon. In the meantime, you can explore past honorees and learn more about Bryant’s tradition of celebrating excellence.

Commencement Ceremonies at a Glance

Key dates and quick links for Bryant’s 2026 celebrations.

Undergraduate Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 10:00 AM 
Main Commencement Tent

View Details

Graduate Ceremony

Thursday, May 14, 2026 · 5:00 PM 
Main Commencement Tent

View Details

Past Speakers & Honorees

Explore past honorees who have inspired generations of Bryant graduates — from visionary business leaders and entrepreneurs to educators, philanthropists, and public servants.

View Past Speakers

Past Speakers & Honorary Degree Recipients

Explore the leaders and changemakers who have inspired generations of Bryant graduates.

View Past Speakers
World War II veteran and POW survivor Louis Zamperini is honored during Bryant University's Commencement in 2011.
Former President George H.W. Bush speaks during Bryant's Commencement in 2008.
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao speaks during Bryant University's commencement in 2017.
A Bryant University graduate gives a high five to Professor Alison Butler during Commencement.
A Bryant University student stands at a podium and delivers a speech during Commencement.
A group of Bryant University students walks in the procession line during Commencement.

Watch Live or Replay Later

Watch all Commencement Weekend events live, including the Graduate Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and Undergraduate Ceremony.

View Livestreams

Stay Connected

Join the celebration online using #BryantGrad2026 to share photos, videos, and reflections from Commencement Weekend.

For updates, livestream links, and replays, follow Bryant University on social media.

Bryant University Instagram Bryant University Facebook
Three Bryant University undergrads snap a photo during Commencement.
A woman and a Bryant University undergraduate snap a quick photo during Commencement.
A Bryant University students snaps a selfie during Commencement.

Questions?

For updates on speakers, honorary degree recipients, or Commencement ceremonies, contact:

commencement@bryant.edu