11 Photos That Show the Style, Sass, and Singular Graduating Class of 2021

With Commencement less than a week away, University Photographer Eileen Barroso has been capturing the Class of 2021 celebrating their graduation in style. 

April 23, 2021

Commencement is less than a week away. With opportunities opening up to take photos on campus, at the special balloon-enshrined Grad Walk, and using virtual grad kits, we've been seeing the Class of 2021 strut their stuff in celebration of their upcoming graduation.

University Photographer Eileen Barroso has been on campus and capturing grads in their finest celebrating their achievements. Here are eleven photos that show just how stylish, sassy, and singular this year's graduating class is. 

20/21 Vision

A woman in a blue robe holds up paper 2021 graduation glasses.

This Columbia grad is making the most of the virtual graduation kit, which you can still download here

Bordered by Balloons

A woman in Columbia regalia is surrounded by blue and white balloons.

Want to strut your stuff in a bevy of balloons? Sign up for the Grad Walk, which is open to current graduates who are Columbia Health Compact-compliant. 

SEAS Pride

Mary Boyce in Commencement regalia with a hammer.

School of Engineering and Applied Science Dean (and soon-to-be University Provost!) Mary Boyce prepares for Commencement with the traditional inflatable hammer. 

Living It Up on Low Steps

Masked Columbia grads in gowns pose on Low Steps.

Grads doing their part in Commencement-themed masks on Low Steps: we LOVE to see it! 

Strike a Pose With President Bollinger

A flat stanley of Lee Bollinger sits at the end of an archway of balloons.

The ultimate COVID-19-safe photo opp can be found on the Grad Walk: A photo with the "Flat Stanley" version of President Bollinger. 

OK, Now a Photo With the Real Deal

Columbia President Lee Bollinger poses with several grads on Low Steps.

Keeping our community safe by continuing to wear our masks, y'all.

Selfies Approved

Barnard grads pose with flat stanleys of deans.

Two Barnard grads pose with a cardboard cutout of Barnard President Sian Beilock. 

Merry Magnolias

Three grads pose on Low Steps with magnolias trees behind them.

These grads know how to take advantage of the beautiful blooms on Columbia's campus during Commencement season.

Social-Distancing Marks the Spot

Two Columbia Law grads point ot a graphical representation of Columbia.

Love seeing the way our Columbia Law grads keep up masking and social distancing while still celebrating their achievements with friends. 

A Champs-Worthy Achievement

Three grads pop champagne on Low Steps while a photographer walks by.

What better way to cap off a fantastic achievement than by popping champagne? Even better when it is captured by a photographer. 


Can't get enough Commencement content? Check out these other photo essays about graduation season.