News | Student Life

2026 graduate Commencement faces record-high temperatures and ‘tested’ institutional climate

Graduates, faculty, and family from across Columbia’s 15 graduate and professional schools gathered on Low Steps on Wednesday morning to commemorate the class of 2026.

By Shannon Mo / Columbia Daily Spectator

Amid record-high temperatures, graduates shielded themselves from the sun using pennant flags, blow-up hammers, and newspapers.

By Shannon Mo • May 23, 2026 at 5:24 PM

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