Over 200 graduating students from across the School of Professional Studies master's programs came together with faculty, staff, and alumni at Amity Hall Uptown for the School's third annual Countdown to Graduation celebration in December. The evening signaled both an ending and a beginning: the conclusion of their academic journey and a welcome to Columbia’s thriving alumni community.
The festive gathering invited students to capture memories with classmates at photo booths, enjoy refreshments, and reconnect with peers.
“Countdown to Graduation is the moment when we turn the spotlight entirely on our December graduates and say: You did it! You crossed the finish line!” said Rollie Carencia, executive director of Student Life, in his welcome toast. “This event is our way of celebrating with a well-deserved victory lap before we all come back together for SPS Graduation in May. It’s hands-down our favorite way to end the semester, kick off graduation season, and celebrate the brilliance of our students.”
At SPS, the connections forged during graduate study extend far beyond the classroom. Students don't simply complete their programs; they join an engaging network of professionals committed to supporting one another throughout their careers. The Office of Alumni Relations strengthens these bonds and guides students through their transition from the classroom to the alumni community.
“Our graduates join a powerful global network of more than 425,000 Columbians across 192 countries,” said Patty Tsai, director of Columbia SPS Alumni Relations. “We support alumni as they build lasting relationships and continue learning through more than 100 global alumni clubs, worldwide events, professional programming, mentorship, career resources, and meaningful opportunities to give back.”
The SPS Office of Alumni Relations, Office of Student Life, and the SPS Career Design Lab also set up information booths where new graduates learned how to maximize their alumni benefits and make the most of the global Columbia alumni network. They discovered opportunities with regional and international alumni clubs, registered for career services, and gathered details about upcoming graduation ceremonies. The goal was simple: ensure every student felt prepared and celebrated as they moved into the next chapter of their professional lives.
Columbia SPS Graduation will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, on the South Lawn of Morningside Campus. Students will gather for Columbia University’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Both SPS Graduation and Columbia Commencement will be available to stream online.
Check out some photos from the Countdown to Graduation event below:
Rollie Carencia, executive director of Student Life, kicked off the night with a toast to the December graduates.
The celebration included a photo booth for the Class of 2026.
Over 200 graduating students came together with faculty, staff, and alumni at Amity Hall Uptown.
SPS students pose with Roar-ee the Lion.
The Office of Alumni Relations, the Office of Student Life, and the SPS Career Design Lab set up information booths for students.
Students gathered to connect with peers and celebrate their accomplishments.
