PROVIDENCE -- Community College of Rhode Island graduates gathered inside a packed and energetic Amica Mutual Pavilion on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the college's 61st Commencement.

Following a processional led by Grand Marshal and Criminal Justice professor Mark England, the Class of 2026 took their seats, ready to turn their tassels and step into their next chapter.

Performing Arts graduate Sophie Bryant helped kick off the memorable event by singing the National Anthem alongside a group of her peers. She then took the podium to introduce a lineup of speakers, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Council on Postsecondary Education chairman David Caprio, and Board of Education Chairman Michael Grey.

 

“The Choice to Begin”

Before officially conferring the degrees, CCRI President Rosemary Costigan took the podium to address the crowd. Speaking not just as the college's president, but as a proud CCRI alumna, Costigan reflected on the resilience it took to reach this moment.

"Your journey to this moment began with a choice: the choice to begin," Costigan told the crowd. "It requires courage, commitment, and belief in something more. Today, you are living proof of what happens when determination meets that first step forward."

Reflecting on the unique power of the community college experience, she added, "This place has the power to transform lives. It opens doors. It builds confidence. It changes trajectories. It can take you from classrooms to careers, from uncertainty to purpose -- from your first step to places you may not yet even imagine."

Challenging the class to aim high, Costigan offered a lasting piece of advice: "You are the author of your story -- write it boldly."

 

A Historic Milestone

This year's ceremony also marked a historic first for CCRI: the awarding of inaugural honorary degrees to the beloved late Judge Frank Caprio and acclaimed New York Times journalist and author Dan Barry.

The college first posthumously honored Judge Caprio for his lifelong dedication to public service, education, and compassion. His wife, Joyce Caprio, proudly accepted the degree on his behalf.

Reflecting on his father's profound impact and his deep respect for those who choose to share their knowledge, Council on Postsecondary Education Chairman David Caprio delivered a moving tribute to the late judge.

"He advocated for education, created scholarships, mentored students, and opened doors for others," Caprio said. "He believed in what he called 'lowering the ladder' -- which is making sure that opportunity was within reach for everyone. That belief became his legacy."

Caprio urged the graduates to carry that same spirit forward, asking that wherever their paths lead next, they too help the next generations.

“What matters is this: You leave CCRI better equipped, more confident, and ready,” he said. “For the rest of your lives, you will always be referred to as a ‘college graduate.’ Wherever your path leads, I hope you will remain connected to CCRI -- and that you’ll lower the ladder for those who come after you.”

 

That theme of empathy and community carried over into the keynote address delivered by Barry. Drawing on his deep ties to Rhode Island from his Pulitzer Prize-winning days at the Providence Journal, Barry delivered a stirring speech that praised the graduates as the bedrock of the state. He also offered words of wisdom from a life spent telling uniquely American stories, challenging the class to stay engaged in an ever-changing world.

"As you continue your journey, please do not become complacent," Barry urged the graduates. "Do not become numb, or uncaring, or think that the news has nothing to do with you. Instead, be engaged."

He continued: "It's become a daily challenge just trying to figure out what is fact. What is true. The natural inclination would be to give up. Please don't. Stay informed. Rely on more than one source of news. Keep educating yourself."

Barry concluded his speech by playfully reading a "love poem" to the state -- listing all 39 of Rhode Island's cities and towns -- before thanking the crowd.

 

The Student Voice

Barry's respect for the graduates' hard work was echoed perfectly by student commencement speaker Omar Benitez Jr.

A World Languages major who is transferring to URI this fall with dreams of becoming a professional interpreter, Benitez seamlessly incorporated multiple languages into his address. After giving heartfelt shoutouts to his mother and his CCRI mentors, he turned his attention to his peers.

"The sacrifices we’ve needed to make -- this diploma is the proof of it," Benitez said. "For me, balancing school and a part-time job wasn’t easy, and free time often had to be sacrificed. But in the end, it was worth it. I just wanted to let you know that you are seen, and I applaud you because you deserve to be here."

 

Benitez acknowledged that life after graduation can be difficult -- and even scary. But he reminded graduates that their CCRI educations have prepared them for what comes next.

“Be proud of becoming an alumnus of CCRI,” he said. “Make your impact on the world. No matter how big or small that impact may be, leave your mark. CCRI gave me, and all of us, an opportunity to chase our goals and dreams regardless of what stage of life we’re in.

“No matter where we go, let’s not forget our roots here at CCRI. Because remembering our roots keeps us grounded and humble.”

The Class of 2026

This year’s graduating class features students from countless different backgrounds and walks of life -- from first-generation students and working parents to career-changers and recent high school graduates -- each with their own unique story of overcoming obstacles to cross the stage.

• Sophie Bryant (Smithfield, R.I.): Entering CCRI at 16 through the Running Start program, the Performance Arts major is now heading to Millikin University for a BFA in Acting. "Reflecting on my time at CCRI, I see that it taught me to understand myself more, and understand what my goals in life are," she shared. “I now have a path for further education in a field I am very passionate in, and I would not have found that path without CCRI.”
• Abby Stinnette (North Scituate, R.I.): After being homeschooled for 11 years, the Communication and Media/Film major overcame a fear of traditional schooling and has now been accepted to Emerson College. "I have considered CCRI a safe space and almost like a second home," she said. "If it weren't for my lovely professors, friends, and coworkers here, I would not be where I am today."
• Omega Wilson (Pawtucket, R.I.): A Psychology major whose family is from Liberia, Wilson is continuing his studies at Rhode Island College as the first person in his family to attend college in the United States. "CCRI meant a lot, because I'm the first generation to go to college in America," he noted. "It was a great experience. It feels good to graduate. After all the hard work, this is the end result."
• Sandra Medina (East Providence, R.I.): Balancing full- and part-time jobs, Medina returned to CCRI in 2022 to complete the Business Administration degree she started in 1999. "CCRI became the place where my lifelong ‘what ifs’ shifted from doubts into possibilities. It reminded me that my story, shaped by immigration, hard work, and resilience, was not a barrier but a source of strength."
• Roxana Mercada Rojo (Cranston, R.I.): After an eight-year gap following high school, she is transferring to Rhode Island College to earn her bachelor's degree. "CCRI has supported me every step of the way," she noted. "My degree is not only my dream, it's a tribute to my parents’ sacrifices and a bridge to a career that I hope will help communities in need."
• Kieran Ward (Riverside, R.I.): The Computer Studies major credits his time at CCRI -- including his role on the Student Government's Student Engagement Committee -- with helping him find his voice. "When I came from high school, I was not very confident and kind of bad at speaking," he said. "Now that I've gotten here, I've been able to speak in front of crowds, be a part of student government, and have a lot of opportunities. I'm very excited to move on to another school and be able use the skills that I learned here at another place."
• Jennifer Arnold (Portsmouth, R.I.): A veteran in her 30s shifting gears to pursue a career in social services, Arnold continuing her education in social services at Rhode Island College. "My time at CCRI has meant a lot," she shared. "It's been a great first start to my next chapter. It feels great to graduate; it feels like a big accomplishment."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Next Chapter

After the reading of the names and the conferring of degrees, CCRI Alumni Association President Malida Khim took the stage to officially welcome the newly minted graduates into a supportive network of proud alumni.

“As someone who once sat where you are now, I’ll tell you this: you don’t have to have everything figured out to succeed,” Khim said. “You just have to keep choosing forward. From this moment on, you are no longer preparing -- you are building.

“And today, with pride, I officially welcome you as members of the CCRI Alumni Association -- a community of more than 82,000 graduates, connected not by where they end up, but by where they began.

“That connection matters. It means you belong to something bigger than this ceremony: a network that stretches across industries, communities, and generations. And starting today, you carry CCRI with you wherever you go.”

With their diplomas in hand, the Class of 2026 then exited the pavilion, ready to step into the future and write their next great chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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