Commencement 2017 Celebrates Graduates and Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipients
Photo: Phil Dembinski '08On May 13 and 14, Columbia College Chicago held its Commencement ceremonies at the historic Auditorium Theatre. More than 2,200 graduate and undergraduate students were honored in five ceremonies.
The college presented honorary degrees to six leaders in activism, philanthropy, painting, directing, and community engagement: MacArthur Fellow and award-winning theatre director David Cromer; former Columbia vice president for student success and current commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Mark Kelly; international startup investor and civic leader, the late Richard “Dick” Paul Kiphart; renowned painter and artist Kerry James Marshall; and social justice advocates and LGBT allies Judy and Dennis Shepard.
The ceremonies occurred on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 14, at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Congratulations to all of our graduates! Don't forget to share your big day with #ColumCommence2017!
Commencement Schedule
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.
Communication: Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations
Creative Writing
English/Humanities, History, and Social Sciences: Cultural Studies
Interactive Arts and Media
Radio
Honorary Degree Recipients: Judy and Dennis Shepard
Saturday, May 13, 1:30 p.m.
Audio Arts and Acoustics
Creative Arts Therapies
Dance
Television
Theatre
Honorary Degree Recipient: David Cromer
Saturday, May 13, 5 p.m.
American Sign Language
Business and Entrepreneurship
Fashion Studies
Honorary Degree Recipient: Richard P. Kiphart (honored in memoriam)
Sunday, May 14, 2 p.m.
Cinema Art and Science
Photography
Honorary Degree Recipient: Mark Kelly
Sunday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.
Art and Art History
Design
Education
Music
Science and Mathematics: Art and Materials Conservation
Honorary Degree Recipient: Kerry James Marshall