Perhaps the most anticipated and joyous event of the academic year is upon us again, Convocation. As seas of “Columbia blue” caps and gowns fill campus with excitement and family and friends gather in celebration, we can't help but share some of our very favorite moments from years past:

One TC’s very first graduating classes assembled for a photo in this #TBT from 1904. (Photo: Gottesman Libraries Archives)

Friendships that last a lifetime on #TCWay. (Photos: TC Archives)

Future leaders, educators and changemakers from around the globe celebrate at the Columbia-wide ceremony. (Photo: Columbia University)

During Convocation 2020, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden — an educator herself — shared well wishes and messages of hope and inspiration during TC’s very first virtual convocation ceremonies in 2020. (Photos: TC Archives)
But first, let me take a selfie! TC grads gather with President Bailey to grab a celebratory photo.

2022 grads celebrate Pride. (Photo courtesy of @yuwaseii and @gogowithjojo)

Convocation medalist Stacey Abrams exhorted TC’s graduates to “be the ones who teach the world that joy and progress do exist” in the 2021 virtual ceremony. (Photo: TC Archives)
A true “family affair.” Graduates from TC’s student-parent cohort with their little ones during the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.

A moment of appreciation for the grad caps… (Photos: TC Archives)
One of the most special experiences during graduation season is the College's annual Diversity & First-Generation ceremony — during which grads read letters of gratitude to their families. In 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, graduates were honored in the special tribute above during TC’s virtual ceremony.

TC pups can get their diplomas too, right? (Photo courtesy of @doppeldachshund)
Finishing graduate school is a huge accomplishment for the whole family.

The iconic Empire State Building illuminated in Columbia blue. (Photo courtesy of @simon_teaching)

Until next time, TC. (Photo courtesy of @parttime.photographer)