Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Contact your individual school with questions related to your respective ceremonies and visit Graduating Students and Announcements for the most current updates.

Columbia Vagelos College graduates smiling for the camera

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has several ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of the graduating students from its different programs.

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons marks its students' successes and milestones with several ceremonies and events throughout their medical education. These momentous occasions include the White Coat Ceremony, the Steven Z. Miller Student Clinician's Ceremony, Match Day, Class Day, and Commencement.


Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Ceremony Details

This ceremony recognizes graduates earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences.

Date: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Armory, 216 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032

Speaker: Dr. Joia S. Mukherjee, MD, MPH

Diploma: All graduating students must apply for their degree with the University Registrar’s Office. Diplomas are mailed to the “Diploma Address” listed in Student Services Online (SSOL). Please verify/update your address and ensure it will remain valid for at least 8 weeks after graduation, as diplomas are not distributed during commencement activities. For questions or additional information, please contact the University Registrar or visit the Registrar’s Graduation and Diplomas webpage.

School Graduation Website: https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-student-affairs/annual-events/commencement 

School Contact:
Lauren Vermilion
[email protected]
212-305-3806


Institute of Human Nutrition Ceremony Details

This ceremony is an annual event celebrating the achievements of the graduating MS class. 

Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: William Black Building - Alumni Auditorium & Shaefer Awards Gallery, located at 650 West 168th Street, 1st floor, New York, NY 10032

Speaker: To be announced.

Reception: A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at the Shaefer Awards Gallery

Diploma: All graduating students must apply for their degree with the University Registrar’s Office. Diplomas are mailed to the “Diploma Address” listed in Student Services Online (SSOL). Please verify/update your address and ensure it will remain valid for at least 8 weeks after graduation, as diplomas are not distributed during commencement activities. For questions or additional information, please contact the University Registrar or visit the Registrar’s Graduation and Diplomas webpage.

Registration Information: Registration is required for all graduates through Eventbrite. Guest tickets can also be claimed through Eventbrite, with an allotment of up to 4 guest tickets per student.

School Contact:
Alexander Sosa
[email protected]
212-305-4808


Program in Genetic Counseling Ceremony Details 

This ceremony is an annual event celebrating the achievements of the graduating MS class. 

Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
Location: Vagelos Education Center, 104 Haven Avenue New York, NY 10032

Speaker: Sharon F. Terry, President and CEO, Genetic Alliance

Diploma: All graduating students must apply for their degree with the University Registrar’s Office. Diplomas are mailed to the “Diploma Address” listed in Student Services Online (SSOL). Please verify/update your address and ensure it will remain valid for at least 8 weeks after graduation, as diplomas are not distributed during commencement activities. For questions or additional information, please contact the University Registrar or visit the Registrar’s Graduation and Diplomas webpage.

School Contact: 
Amanda Bergner, MS, CGC
[email protected]
212-304-7703


Professional Health Therapy Programs & Programs in Occupational Therapy Ceremony Details 

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: CUMC - Alumni Auditorium, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032

Speaker: Teepa Lucille Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Reception: A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at 50 Haven Ave.

Diploma: All graduating students must apply for their degree with the University Registrar’s Office. Diplomas are mailed to the “Diploma Address” listed in Student Services Online (SSOL). Please verify/update your address and ensure it will remain valid for at least 8 weeks after graduation, as diplomas are not distributed during commencement activities. For questions or additional information, please contact the University Registrar or visit the Registrar’s Graduation and Diplomas webpage.

Registration Information: Registration is required for all graduates. A registration form will be shared directly with eligible graduates, who may register up to four guest tickets.

School Graduation Website: https://www.columbiaot.org/

School Contact: 
Leslie Alas
[email protected]


Programs in Physical Therapy Ceremony Details 

Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni Auditorium, CUIMC Campus

Speaker: Dr. Michael Johnson, PT, DSc, OCS, SCS

Reception Information: A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at 50 Haven, First Floor Lounge. 

Diploma: All graduating students must apply for their degree with the University Registrar’s Office. Diplomas are mailed to the “Diploma Address” listed in Student Services Online (SSOL). Please verify/update your address and ensure it will remain valid for at least 8 weeks after graduation, as diplomas are not distributed during commencement activities. For questions or additional information, please contact the University Registrar or visit the Registrar’s Graduation and Diplomas webpage.

School Graduation Website: https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/programs-physical-therapy/doctor-physical-therapy/convocation-class-2026 

School Contact: 
Jason Bachan
[email protected]