Commencement 1997

Bill Moyers to deliver baccalaureate address Sunday, May 25

Bill Moyers, acclaimed author and broadcast journalist, will address the Class of 1997 at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 25, in the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America. The baccalaureate service will be simulcast to a large-format video screen on The College Green for parents and guests of the graduates.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Bill Moyers, one of television's most critical and creative broadcasters and author of several best-selling books, will present this year's baccalaureate address at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 25, in the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America.

Because seating is limited, only graduating seniors will be admitted to the baccalaureate service. However, the service will be telecast on a large video screen on The College Green, so that parents, friends and guests may listen and watch. In case of rain, the screen will be set up in Meehan Auditorium on Hope Street.

During his 25 years in television, Moyers has spearheaded a wide range of thought-provoking and educational initiatives. He was executive editor of the popular series, "Bill Moyers' Journal," senior news analyst for the CBS Evening News, and chief correspondent for the popular documentary series, "CBS Reports." Moyers has produced more than 200 hours of programming since establishing Public Affairs Television as an independent production company in 1986.

Moyers has received more than 30 Emmy awards for excellence in journalism. Among his many honors, Moyers was the first recipient of the Religious Liberty Award and the third recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights.

In addition to his 1971 best-selling book Listening to America, four of Moyers' books based on his television series have become best sellers.

Moyers has also pursued a wide range of public interests. He was deputy director of the Peace Corps in the Kennedy Administration and was press secretary and special assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson. For 12 years, Moyers was a trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation. He is current president of The Florence and John Schumann Foundation.

The baccalaureate address traditionally is preached the Sunday before Commencement. It was customary for the president of the University to deliver the sermon until Henry Wriston, the first Brown president who was not a Baptist minister, assumed office in 1937. After that, guest speakers were invited.