Columbia College celebrates the Class of 2026 at spring commencement ceremony
May 12, 2026
Columbia College celebrated the achievements, resilience, and future promise of the Class of 2026 during its Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Family members, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends gathered to honor graduates earning undergraduate and graduate degrees across the College’s academic programs.
The ceremony featured an address from Emmy-nominated producer, bestselling author, dance artist, and Columbia College alumna Lisa Wheeler ’87, currently Head of Content & Trainer/Talent Operations at Apple Fitness+. Wheeler returned to her alma mater with a message centered on courage, adaptability, and trusting one’s own direction in life.
“Throw away the road map and grab a compass,” Wheeler told graduates during her address.
“A roadmap promises clarity — a defined path, a straight line to success. But life doesn’t work that way. You don’t need a rigid plan, you need your bearings… You need a compass.”
Drawing from her own personal and professional journey, Wheeler encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and remain grounded in community and purpose.
“Most great careers and meaningful lives aren’t planned,” she said. “They’re discovered.”
Throughout the speech, Wheeler shared five lessons with graduates: take a leap, embrace failure, take up space, remain humble, and find your people. She closed by encouraging the Class of 2026 to move confidently into the future.
“As I look out at all you glorious humans, not only do I feel optimistic about the future, I feel confident,” Wheeler said. “Confident in who you are. Confident in who you’re becoming. And confident that you will leave this world better than you found it.”
President Dr. John H. Dozier delivered the official charge to the graduates, recognizing the perseverance and purpose that brought students to commencement day while emphasizing the enduring mission of Columbia College.
“You’re not only graduating — you’re rising,” Dozier said. “And we are proud of you.”
During his remarks, Dozier reflected on the College’s history of resilience and reminded graduates that they now become part of that legacy.
“This institution was founded in 1854, and from the very beginning, it has endured,” he said.
“Fire. War. Financial hardship. A pandemic. Each time, we rose again. And every time we did, we became more focused, more rooted, and more determined to meet the moment with courage and hope. That story of resilience now includes you.”
Dozier also challenged graduates to carry forward the College’s mission of leadership, service, and meaningful contribution.
“The expectation isn’t simply that you succeed — it’s that you contribute, that you lead with purpose, and that you leave your communities better than you found them,” he said.
The ceremony included musical performances from members of the Columbia College Choir, led by faculty in the Department of Music, as well as reflections from graduate student speaker Brianna King, a Columbia College alumna and special education teacher at Pelion Middle School. King earned her Master of Education in Trauma-Informed Education while continuing to serve students and support Special Olympics programs in her community.
Graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Leadership, the School of Education, and the School of Health Sciences crossed the stage to receive their degrees before officially joining the Columbia College Alumni Association.
The Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony reflected Columbia College’s ongoing commitment to preparing students personally and professionally for lives of leadership, service, and impact.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College is a student-centered institution committed to educating women and men for lives of purpose, impact, and leadership. Guided by a newly articulated vision and the “On the Rise” strategic plan, the College is expanding its reach through innovative programs, inquiry-based learning, and workforce-focused pathways in allied health, education, and the creative industries. As an anchor institution in the 29203 community, Columbia College embraces a mission of partnership and place-based engagement to advance wellness, economic mobility, and opportunity across the Midlands. With small classes, individualized support, and more than 30 undergraduate and eight graduate programs, the College prepares students for careers of consequence.
