From poor Brown dropout to wealthy liquor magnate, Sidney Frank embodied the American dream – complete with a big cigar. The scholarships that bear his name enabled 49 members of the class of ’09 to earn Brown bachelor’s degrees.

Noor Najeeb and Juliana Thorstenn delivered the senior orations to their classmates at the University Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24. The two speakers affirmed the importance of being open-minded and of daring to fail.

Brown’s Commencement Forums and Alumni Reunion Forums, a series of colloquia by faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests, will begin on Saturday, May 23, at 9:30 a.m. Sessions range from economics and literature to nanotechnology and obesity.

“A few months ago, on Point Street in Providence, people of opposing views were courteously clashing over the abortion issue. I saw Jennifer sitting on the sidewalk with her head bowed to her knees, weeping streams of compassion. My heart was moved by her heart’s response.” – The Rev. Diane Caracciolo, Providence Life Center

The University held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Creative Arts Center on Friday, May 22.

“Kevin O’Brien is an exemplar of Brown’s mission of combining scholarship with service.” – Daniel Bisaccio, lecturer and director of science education, Brown Master of Arts in Teaching program

“Dan represents a model Brown student: independent-minded and self-directed, empowered by the freedom and responsibility of the curriculum and a challenging community of scholars, and anxious to use it all to make a difference.” – Marisa Quinn, vice president for public affairs and University relations 

“Emma is a born leader. In the time that I've known her, she has been the captain of the Brown equestrian team, one of the founders of the Social Innovation Initiative that fosters social entrepreneurship at Brown, and head of an international NGO in Rwanda.” – Alan Harlam, director of social entrepreneurship at Brown’s Swearer Center for Public Service

“Adam spends every waking moment striving to do everything in his life better, from academics, to athletics, to leadership, to service to others.” – Lt. Col. Matthew R. McKinley, U.S. Army, professor of military science, Providence College