10 Uplifting Photos from Columbia’s 2022 Commencement

Jun. 15, 2022

After a dispiriting long pause in campus events caused by the pandemic, Columbia’s 2022 Commencement was held in-person last month. The ceremonies, which took place from May 13–23, honored not just the class of 2022 but also the graduates of 2020 and 2021 who had missed out on festivities. Here are some key moments captured by campus photographers.


Columbia College graduates waving inflatable Roar-ee lions on 2022 Commencement Day
Diane Bondareff

Graduates of Columbia College celebrated with inflatable lions.

 

Columbia University president Lee C. Bollinger speaking at 2022 Commencement
Eileen Barroso

Lee C. Bollinger, who will step down as University President next year, spoke to the class of 2022 about the importance of free speech, the ubiquity of disinformation in today’s world, and the critical role of universities in a liberal society.   

 

A Columbia graduate taking a selfie with Roar-ee at the 2022 Commencement ceremony
Bruce Gilbert

Graduates posed for selfies with Roar-ee.

 

Hillary Clinton accepting an honorary degree from Columbia University in 2022
Bruce Gilbert

Former first lady, US senator, and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton accepted an honorary doctor of laws degree and gave a short, impromptu speech congratulating the class of 2022.

 

Columbia graduates wearing decorated caps at 2022 commencement
Diane Bondareff

Numerous caps were decked out with school spirit. 

 

Brandon Victor Dixon performing at Columbia University 2022 commencement
Eileen Barroso

At the celebration for the classes of 2020 and 2021, musical-theater star Brandon Victor Dixon ’07CC, known for his roles in Hamilton, The Color Purple, Jesus Christ Superstar, and other productions, performed Tom Kitt’s original song “Oh, Columbia” with Kitt ’96CC accompanying him on piano.

 

Columbia SIPA graduates at 2022 commencement
Eileen Barroso

Graduates of the School of International and Public Affairs classes of 2020 and 2021 showcased Columbia's global reach.

 

Attendees at Columbia University 2022 commencement holding balloons in rain
Diane Bondareff

The rain couldn’t dampen celebrations for a few schools, including Engineering, General Studies, Public Health, and Barnard.

 

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons graduates at 2022 commencement
Eileen Barroso

A new generation of doctors accepted degrees from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

 

Columbia University 2022 commencement
Eileen Barroso

Thousands of people, including new graduates, alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, and friends, celebrated Commencement together in a sea of Columbia blue.  

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