Graduation is in just a couple of weeks, and soon we'll be welcoming a new class of Columbians to the alumni community.
Columbia's Commencement program dates back 258 years, and the iconic Morningside campus outdoor ceremony began in 1926. By tradition, the commencement speaker is the university president, while many of the schools within Columbia have keynote speakers at their individual ceremonies—and most give that distinction only to alumni.
From President Barack Obama to Caroline Kennedy, check out our handpicked selection of the best quotes from recent Columbia graduation addresses.