Class Day
The Columbia Climate School Class Day for the Class of 2026 took place on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM ET at Miller Theatre and was also livestreamed on YouTube and here.
Columbia University’s Commencement takes place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET on the Morningside Campus and will also be webcast.
Follow our Class Day coverage on State of the Planet as well as on our socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, and TikTok.
💙 #Columbia2026 #ColumbiaClimate2026
View/download PDF of the program.
Keynote: Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft
As Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Melanie Nakagawa leads the company's sustainability strategy and targets, as well as global initiatives focused on expanding digital connectivity and inclusive access to technology worldwide. She brings nearly two decades of experience at the nexus of policy, business, and technology, most recently serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Climate & Energy on the National Security Council at the White House. Prior to the White House, Melanie helped launch Princeville Capital's inaugural global growth equity climate technology fund, investing in companies delivering transformative solutions to climate change. She also served as a strategic advisor to Secretary of State John Kerry on climate change and environmental issues and held roles in the U.S. Senate and with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Melanie has a JD and MA from American University and an AB from Brown University. 🎓 State of the Planet Feature: Melanie Nakagawa To Speak at Columbia Climate School Graduation
Student Speaker: Annika Bellot, MA in Climate & Society
An international climate lawyer and UNFCCC negotiator, Annika believes climate ambition must translate into meaningful outcomes for the most vulnerable. As a Climate School student, she has continued to explore how international climate insight can inform practical decarbonization and investment pathways. 🎓 State of the Planet Feature: Climate Work Is Personal for This Class Day Speaker
Campbell Award Recipient: Marina Saguar Urquiola, MA in Climate & Society
The Campbell Award recognizes a graduating student at each school who exemplifies the spirit of Alma Mater through community leadership and service. As a Climate School student, Marina's focus is climate adaptation and resilience through innovative financing. 🎓 State of the Planet Feature: Why We’re All on the Same Team in the Fight Against Climate Change
Academic Leadership Award Recipient: Aynsley Kretschmar, MA in Climate & Society
Aynsley’s nominations speak to her patience in breaking down tough concepts for her peers, organization of study groups, intentionality and participation in class discussions, and leadership in creating a collaborative learning environment. 🎓 State of the Planet Feature: Exploring Connections Between Environment and Society
Community Engagement Award Recipient: Laura Huepenbecker, MS in Climate Finance
Laura’s nominations highlight her engagement with the student body through event planning and accessible communication, her optimism and thoughtfulness inside and outside of the classroom, and her dedication to going above and beyond in her role with the Columbia Climate Graduate Council.
Important Information
10:00 AM | Graduates Line Up for Procession
10:00 AM | Doors Open at Miller Theatre for Guests
11:00 AM | Ceremony Begins
1:30 PM | Ceremony Ends & Procession to Reception
1:30 PM | Reception Begins at Ancell Plaza
3:30 PM | Reception Ends
- Class Day: Each individual school has their own graduation day called "Class Day." This ceremony involves a keynote speaker, award recognition, and individual diploma handouts.
- University Commencement: University Commencement is the graduation ceremony for all the schools together under the University. No students walk across the stage. This is a change to see graduates come together across the University.
Climate School Class Day: MA in Climate and Society, MS in Climate Finance, and MS in Climate Dual Degree students are eligible to participate in the Climate School Class Day ceremony if they meet the following criteria:
- Their degree was conferred in February 2026.
- Their degree is expected to be conferred in May 2026.
- Their degree is expected to be conferred in October 2026.
University Commencement: Climate School students are eligible to participate in the University's Commencement ceremony if they meet the following criteria:
- Their degree was conferred in February 2026.
- Their degree is expected to be conferred in May 2026.
- Their degree is expected to be conferred in October 2026.
Class Day
- Students must register to participate in the Climate School Class Day.
- Each graduating student will receive guest tickets to use for friends and family.
- Students are responsible to distributing their guest tickets to their guests. All tickets will be scanned at the door.
- Log into Tassel to find your guest tickets
University Commencement
- Graduating students who want to attend University Commencement will be given 2 guest tickets.
- The University Commencement office handles guest ticketing for Commencement.
- If you have any questions or have trouble registering, please contact [email protected].
Please note: Guests of graduating students cannot directly register for tickets—graduates must do so on behalf of their guest(s).
Academic regalia is required to participate in the Climate School Class Day and University Commencement ceremonies.
We will have a professional photographer and videographer present during Class Day to capture the graduates and ceremony. Individual photographs of each student participant taken by the photographer will be available for purchase following the ceremony. The photographer will contact graduates via email for purchasing.
Students, and their guests, requiring accommodations during:
- Climate School Class Day, contact [email protected]
- University Commencement ceremonies, contact Disability Services [email protected]
Looking Back
Class of 2025
The fourth class of students to graduate from the Climate School celebrated Class Day on May 16, 2025 at Miller Theatre. Look back at 2025 ceremony highlights, 2025 ceremony, ad 2025 program.
Class of 2024
The third class of students to graduate from the Climate School celebrated Class Day on May 10, 2024 at The Forum. Look back at 2024 ceremony and 2024 program.
Class of 2023
The second class of students to graduate from the Climate School celebrated on May 12, 2023 at Miller Theatre. Look back at 2023 ceremony.
Class of 2022
The first class of students to graduate from the Climate School celebrated Class Day on May 13 and University Commencement on May 18, 2022. Here are some of the 2022 highlights.