12 Photos Celebrating Claire Shipman’s Tenure as Acting President

From Convocation to Commencement, and everything in between.

June 29, 2026

As Columbia prepares to welcome a new president in Jennifer L. Mnookin, we look back on some special moments from Claire Shipman’s tenure as acting president.

From hosting events for students to connect and unwind, to cheering for the Columbia Lions at Varsity games, to supporting the world-class academic work of the University, Shipman has been a tireless champion for the institution and the people it serves.

As we mark her last few days as acting president, we offer her our deepest thanks for everything she has done for Columbia.

A group of students and Acting President Shipman gathered on the lawn with a view of Low Library in the back.
A woman and a man looking at part of an experiment in a medical lab.
A group of students, faculty, and administrators in academic robes.
A man throwing t-shirts into the crowd at an event by the pool.
A woman about to throw a basketball.
A large crowd gathered at the football stadium.
Four people dressed in evening wear.
Three people chat outside of a temporary ice rink on Columbia's campus.
A group of students, faculty, and administrators, gather to watch an agreement being signed.
A woman at a podium alongside two men sitting down on a stage.
A woman greets a man on the stage of Columbia's Commencement.