Columbia College Celebrates Class of 2026 with Joyful Commencement Ceremony
Columbia College held its second and final commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. The event featured graduates from the Schools of Theatre and Dance, Audio and Music, Design, and Visual Arts. Approximately 1,200 students received their degrees. The ceremony included speeches from notable figures such as Yolanda 'Yo-Yo' Whitaker, a Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, who shared her journey of overcoming rejection. Columbia President Shantay Bolton also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and growth. The ceremony honored 20 retiring or laid-off faculty members by granting them emeriti status. 
