As Columbia President and CEO Shantay Bolton danced into the Credit Union 1 Arena to cheers of “Shantay! Shantay!” from a VIP section of supporters, Columbia opened its first commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17 for graduates from four schools.
In her first graduation ceremony leading the college, Bolton said this was a year of firsts for both herself and the college.
“We gather not simply to celebrate degrees earned or requirements filled,” she said. “We gather to celebrate transformation.”
Graduates from the Schools of Business and Entrepreneurship, Communication and Culture, Fashion, and Film and Television crossed the stage in the morning. The afternoon ceremony celebrated graduates from the Schools of Theatre and Dance, Design, Audio and Music, and Visual Arts. About 1,200 students graduated on Sunday, said Kristi Beltran, director of student engagement and leadership.
“Columbia is not just a college, it is a creative ecosystem that stretches far beyond graduation day,” said Beth Ryan, a professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship who presided over the 11 a.m. ceremony held for the second year in a row on the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago.
Dawn Larsen, a professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, carried the ceremonial mace for the morning graduation ceremony, which also honored 12 retiring or laid off faculty members for distinguished service by conferring emeriti status. Three of the recipients were present at the ceremony: Journalism professor Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, film and television professor Susan Kerns and film and television professor of instruction Bonnie Winer.
The Class of 2026 is graduating into an uncertain economy for many creative professions. Media, entertainment and technology companies have spent the past two years cutting jobs and restructuring amid broader economic uncertainty and rapid changes tied to artificial intelligence.
When Toi Salter, a Chicago-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, and honorary degree recipient encouraged the graduates class to “embrace AI as a tool,” there were audible murmurs and boos from the crowd.
What AI cannot do, she later added, “is live a life and tell the true truth – only you can do that.”
Salter was brought onstage by Ryan to receive her honorary degree. She was overcome with emotion — dancing, cheering and wiping tears from her face.
“Now it’s up to you to shape your next,” Salter said. “You are graduating into a world that is changing faster than any class.”
Fashion studies graduate Lacresha White, the student speaker for the morning ceremony, addressed what she called “the f word” — fear.
“If we look back on our journey, fear didn’t stop us from getting here. In fact, it brought us here,” White said.
Cameron Dean Blackwood, a film and television graduate, was ready to embrace that fear. “I get to go out into the world and do my thing for real instead of being in a classroom,” he said.
Blackwood said he was thankful that during his time at Columbia he was able to do exactly what he wanted.
“The projects I made here, I was given complete freedom,” Blackwood said. “At other film schools, they don’t really do that for you.”
Fashion studies graduate Alex Garcia said she appreciated the freedom to explore and express herself.
“At this school, I was able to discover more about my identity and my style without feeling like I was judged,” Garcia said, “ It was an art school. It was beautiful.”
Tiny hands clung to graduate Milena Nobili, a film and television graduate, as she crossed the stage. As a student and a mother, graduating from Columbia reminded her of her own capabilities.
“It’s not just learning the techniques. It’s also putting your own mind, your own creativity and skill in order for you to succeed,” she said.
When she first arrived at Columbia, Nobili said she wasn’t great at communicating or taking advantage of the resources offered to her. The college helped her make those connections.
“All the creative minds coming together is just amazing,” Nobili said.
Keachawn Randall, a film and television graduate, said the opportunity to connect with students from a variety of majors was unique to his Columbia experience.
“Getting connected with so many people that can help each other in the future is something I look forward to,” he said.
Another film and television graduate, Monica Healy, had a similar sentiment.
“Screenwriting is not a single effort. It’s a collaborative medium, and the people that I’ve had within class or through my professors have taught me so much,” Healy said.
As a first-generation transfer student, Healy felt Columbia gave her an “insanely impressive” experience in being able to complete her bachelor’s degree in two years.
“It’s been amazing, so rewarding. Although I’m happy to be done, I’m glad that I’ve chosen this experience, and I’m never going to forget it,” she said.
Garcia said that she was excited about taking this next big step in her life. The memories and connections she received while at Columbia aren’t something she could’ve gotten anywhere else.
“I feel like I’ve gathered a lot of valuable knowledge,” she said.
At the end of Bolton’s address, the graduating class stood and placed their hands over their hearts at her request as they repeated after her: “I am creative. I am courageous. I am called. I am ready. I will rise.”
Additional Reporting from Julia Martinez Arroyo and Anthony Hernandez
Copy edited by Katie Peters
