2026 Honorands and Awardees
Each year at University Commencement, Columbia recognizes individuals and faculty members whose achievements and service embody the University’s highest values.
Honorands
Meet the Honorary Degree Recipients of 2026. Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals from a range of fields whose scholarly, artistic, or societal contributions reflect the University’s ideals. This is the highest honor the University can bestow on an individual, and the Trustees endeavor to ensure recognition for achievements across all of the various areas of study and fields of academia. For more information about this award, visit Office of the Secretary.
University Medal for Excellence
The University Medal for Excellence is awarded at Commencement to an alumnus or alumna under 45 years of age whose record in scholarship, public service, and/or professional life is outstanding. Graduates from all divisions of the University, including Barnard College and Teachers College, are eligible for consideration. For more information about this award, visit Office of the Secretary
Teaching Awards
Presidential Awards for Outstanding Teaching are given to faculty and graduate student instructors who have significantly influenced the intellectual development of Columbia students. For more information about this award, visit Office of the Provost.
Mentoring Awards
Faculty Mentoring Awards, inspired by the incredible mentoring legacy of Columbia Business School Professor Katherine W. Phillips, are given to senior faculty who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the professional development of their junior colleagues. For more information about this award, visit Office of the Provost.
Service Awards
The Faculty Service Award recognizes full-time faculty whose extraordinary and creative voluntary service has contributed significantly to the University’s inclusion and belonging efforts. For more information about this award, visit Office of the Provost.
Alumni Medalist Awards
CAA Alumni Medalists are recognized for their outstanding commitment to building Columbia's community. The medal is the highest honor given by the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) and is bestowed in recognition of 10 or more years of distinguished service to the University. Recipients are honored at University Commencement and at a celebration during Columbia Alumni Leaders Experience.
Campbell Award Winners
In 2016, the Columbia University Trustees and the Columbia Alumni Association established the Campbell Award. The award is presented to a graduating student at each of Columbia’s nineteen schools and institutions who shows exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit as exemplified by the late Bill Campbell ’62CC, ’64TC, University Trustee Chair Emeritus and Columbia Alumni Association co-founder.