House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, musician Shaggy to share stage at Brown University graduation

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will deliver a commencement oration and receive an honorary doctorate degree during Brown University's commencement ceremonies later this month.

Pelosi is among "nine candidates who have achieved great distinction in a variety of fields" receiving honorary degrees, including former Rhode Island Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott and Jamaican-American reggae musician Shaggy.

“A Brown tradition since 1769, the annual presentation of honorary degrees offers our community the chance to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds,” Brown President Christina H. Paxson said in a news release.

“Having made tremendous impacts in government, public health, the arts, global affairs, science and technology, and more, this year’s distinguished recipients offer a superb example to our newest graduates," Paxson said.

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Brown will celebrate both its Class of 2022 graduates as well as the Class of 2020 during the commencement ceremonies. The 2020 graduates missed their in-person ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown's commencement and reunion weekend is May 27 to 29.

Events will also include a baccalaureate address by public health leader Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and an honorary degree oration for the Class of 2020 by Orville Richard Burrell, who goes by the stage name Shaggy.

Here's a list of the other honorary degree recipients:

• Dr. Seth Berkley — physician and public health leader

• Guido Imbens — Nobel laureate and economist

• Stanley Nelson Jr. — Oscar-nominated filmmaker

• Alice and Thomas Tisch — Brown leaders and benefactors

• Zeynep Tüfekçi — Technology scholar and educator

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Brown will also honor the late telecommunications pioneer George H. Billings, a Class of 1972 graduate. On the day he died, Paxson conferred upon Billings a Doctor of Humane Letters and presented him a doctoral hood. Billings’ brother, John Billings, will accept a diploma in recognition of the honorary degree.

Pelosi will deliver a commencement oration during the university ceremony on Sunday, May 29, following two senior orations from members of the Class of 2022 and the presentation of honorary degrees.

Further details on commencement forums and other events during the weekend will be posted in the coming weeks at www.brown.edu/about/commencement.

jperry@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7614

On Twitter: @jgregoryperry

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Musician Shaggy, House Speaker Pelosi to receive degree from Brown