R.I. colleges hold weekend commencements

It was graduation weekend for a number of area colleges and universities.

Students at Salve Regina University received their diplomas Sunday, following a keynote address by the Honorable Bruce Marshall Selya.  Selya is the longest serving Rhode Islander in the history of the First Circuit federal court.

Also on Sunday, Providence College marked its 91st commencement ceremony. Alumnus and filmmaker Martin J. Doblmeier delivered the commencement address. Doblmeier is an award-winning documentary maker. The ceremony was held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Graduation day at the University of Rhode Island capped off an end to an era for outgoing president, Robert Carothers. Carothers gave the keynote address for the school’s 123rd graduation ceremony.

The 66-year-old president is stepping down next month after 18 years on the job.

Rhode Island College awarded more than 1,200 undergraduate diplomas at its commencement ceremony on Saturday.  RIC also awarded four honorary degrees.  Anne Murphy, the president of a Washington DC consulting firm, and a RIC graduate gave the keynote addresses.