100 Years of Outdoor Commencements

Hundreds of graduating university students and faculty in caps and gowns are seated at Columbia University’s 1926 graduation Commencement on Low Plaza with Low Library, Earl Hall, and Lewisohn Hall in the background at Columbia’s Morningside campus.

May 15, 2026

Commencement (rain or shine) has been held outdoors on Morningside campus since 1926! For 100 years, we have celebrated our captivating graduates at an "out of doors exercise" on Low Plaza in front of Alma Mater. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 

Learn more about Columbia’s academic regalia and its history. 

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