We Asked, You Shared: Columbia Graduation Memories in Photos and Advice
Grab your tissues: We asked the Class of 2025 to share their photos, memories, gratitude, and advice in anticipation of Commencement Week.
As students, families, and friends gather across campus to celebrate this year’s graduation, we invited members of Columbia’s Class of 2025 to pause, look back, and share moments that defined their time here.
From late-night study sessions and unforgettable friendships to proud academic milestones and moments of quiet resilience, their reflections paint a vivid portrait of what it means to be a Columbian. Their photos and words offer gratitude, hard-won wisdom, and the kind of nostalgia that just might bring a tear to your eye.
Are you a member of the Class of 2025? We’d love to hear your Columbia story, too: share your photos and reflections with us!
“Embrace the rare gift of learning at the intersection of rigorous scholarship and vibrant city life—challenge ideas, but never lose your curiosity or kindness in the process.”
When looking back, Ifrah Maskan (SIPA’25) goes to where it all began, orientation. Hailing from Lahore, Pakistan, Maskan shared a full-circle photo alongside other peer advisors during orientation week. Her advice?
“Stay true to yourself and your values. Don’t be afraid to stand out in a group of people.”
Kevin Walsh (BUS’25) of Beacon, New York, will always be fond of Avery Library and wanted to share his gratitude for Professor of Professional Practice Brett House.
His advice to future Columbians?
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”
Iesha Souffrant (TC’25) hails from the Bronx and, with thanks to her dissertation advisor Karen Helen Morin and Jane K. Dickinson, shared the following:
“I am very honored, privileged, and blessed to be the first generation that earned my Doctor of Education in Nursing Education here at the prestigious Teachers College, Columbia University in the Online Nursing Education Program.”
Her advice?
“Embrace and absorb all the wonderful knowledge given by the top faculty in the world!”
Emily Taylor (SPS’25) of Rexburg, Idaho, came to Columbia to study nonprofit management and met “the most incredible teacher” along the way: Astrid Andre, who taught “The Business of Nonprofits.”
Looking back on her time here, Taylor wrote: “I will miss the rush. The rush between classes, events, student government meetings, and coffee chats. Things will be a LOT slower after graduation.” Her advice for the next generation of Columbians?
“The best advice I’ve received is to ‘make space, take space.’”
Hats off to Indri Ariyani (SIPA’25) and all of our Class of 2025 grads!
Corina Stone (SPS’25), of Weston, Florida, came to the School of Professional Studies to study nonprofit management, and has had “an incredible academic experience” while also building a community and friendships along the way. Her advice?
“Strive to be the best version of yourself—and let that version be bold, curious, and driven by purpose.”
Sixian Zhang (TC’25) shares a heart for the Class of 2025. Zhang, who hails from Beijing, China, will always have fond memories of her time “staying up all night to study” in Butler Library.
Vincent Mas (TC’25), who hails from Peekskill, New York, says the place to be on the Teachers College campus is the stairs to Horace Mann on Broadway between 120th and 121st streets. “I met amazing people who stopped by to say hello while I would eat lunch,” he wrote.
Mas, who just completed a Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology, shared this photo posing in front of his research poster “The Feelings Wheel,” which he used in counseling sessions with students at Berkeley College, where he completed his fieldwork internship and will serve in the role of ADA Coordinator/Personal Counselor.
His advice to future Columbians?
“Be responsible for your own happiness.”
Samia Breir (SPS’25) shared this photo on the iconic College Walk.
Heather Binion (SEAS’25), who hails from Lebanon, Indiana, shared this photo overlooking campus while rocking Columbia Blue and holding her graduation gown from Manchester University. Binion came to Columbia as part of the Combined Plan, which allows students from affiliate schools to receive a B.A. degree in a liberal arts field and a B.S. in an engineering discipline from Columbia in as little as one additional year.
She would love to thank her postdoc, Dr. Rachel Fisher, “for being an outstanding mentor and an amazing friend!”
Kevin Luo (CC’25) shared this photo of himself, posing with friends made throughout his undergraduate career at Columbia: Brian Zhang, Clara Hua, and Rosemary Li.
Share Your Memories
Have a memory, thank you, or photo you’d like to share? You can do so here. Congratulations, grads! We are rooting for you.