Baccalaureate Service

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! The Baccalaureate Service will be webcast live on Sunday, April 25, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). Please refresh your web browser to watch the video once the event is live. If you are still unable to view this video, please click here. 

*Closed captioning, a full transcript, and a PDF of the program is available for this event. 

The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career from Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College.

Service highlights include hymns, musical selections, readings, reflections, and speeches by students. All undergraduate degree candidates and their guests are invited to tune in virtually.

Baccalaureate 2021 Participants

Yasmine Ayman
Columbia College
Baha'i

Khadija Balndeh
School of General Studies
Muslim

Mikyle Hassanali
Columbia College
Muslim

Juliette Jung
Columbia College
Christian

Yaira Kobrin-Wiener
Columbia College
Jewish

Hariti Patel
Barnard College
Hindu

Lauren Pham
Barnard College
Catholic

Matthew Rosenberg
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Jewish

Ria Sawhney
Barnard College
Sikh

Gauri Talwar
Barnard College
Sikh

History

The Baccalaureate Service is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise. This historical British practice continued with the earliest universities in this country, which were founded primarily to educate ministers. Columbia University began this tradition in 1897 and the ceremony continues today as an interfaith, intercultural service celebrating each undergraduate's academic career.

Accessibility

Columbia University is committed to ensuring that all Commencement activities are accessible to all graduates and guests. Closed captions, a full transcript of the ceremony, and a downloadable PDF program are available above.

If you have any questions, please contact Disability Services.

Learn more about the Office of Religious Life and the Baccalaureate Service.