Commencement

As a member of the Class of '25 - '26, you have the opportunity to enter one of two competitions that will feature your work during the commencement ceremonies.

• Student Speaker Competition

  Columbia College Chicago invites all undergraduate, MFA and Master’s Degree students eligible to graduate during December 2025 – August 2026, to participate in the Commencement Student Speaker Competition. 
  
  Two students will be selected to deliver one of the two student addresses at Columbia’s Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18. The committee will be looking for an engaging message that draws meaningful connections to your student experience yet resonates with your fellow graduates. 
  
  SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. CDT on MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026.

  2026 COMMENCEMENT STUDENT SPEAKER COMPETITION – Fill out form

• Photo Competition

  Columbia College Chicago invites all undergraduate, MFA and Master’s Degree students eligible to graduate during December 2025 – August 2026, to participate in the Commencement Photography Competition. The winning photo will be used for a number of branding elements, such as podium banners, the program booklet cover, signage, web elements and more. THE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER WILL ALSO BE AWARDED $1,000.00.

  
  Images should reflect the artist’s vision and creativity, but should be appropriate for use at Commencement.  
  
  To enter, submit the following:  
  

  • An artist’s statement  
  • A cover sheet listing: Your name, Major, MyColumbia ID, Phone number, Address, Email 
  • Up to three (3) high resolution images  
    • Images must be no less than 300 dpi 
    • landscape orientation is be preferred  

  
  SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. CDT on MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026.

  2026 COMMENCEMENT PHOTO COMPETITION – Fill out form