2021 In Review

2021 was another unique one for the books. We look back on the last year at Columbia College through the lens of our photographers.

Ivy Chain – With a Twist

With the pandemic still in effect, students were sent home from Main Campus after Spring Break. In an effort to resume the Ivy Chain tradition – which was cancelled in 2020 for the first time ever – Student Affairs staff organized a modified event to allow graduates to connect with the college's history.

Rows of gift bags on a table, with a sign reading "Gift Pick-Up"

Commencement, After All

College administrators had initially announced plans earlier in the semester to hold a virtual ceremony in May, but thanks to a gracious offer from University of Missouri officials, the college was able to hold a pair of in-person ceremonies with full distancing at Mizzou Arena.

Welcome Home, Captain

In June, the college was proud to host C. Byron Wilson ’07 and his family for his promotion ceremony to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Honoring Nadria and Nursing

Nadria Wright was tragically killed in September 2019, just a month into her freshman year at Columbia College. Out of that tragedy, the Nadria Leeann Wright Memorial Nursing Scholarship was created to both honor her and helping future nursing students earn their degrees. Members of the community helped launch of the new award in mid-July.

Shaunda Hamilton, Nadria Wright’s mother, looks on at the launch celebration for the Nadria Leeann Wright Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

Positivity and Cougar Pride: Remembering Angi Pauley

For more than 15 years, Angi Pauley was the “ray of sunshine” inside the Columbia College Grossnickle Career Services Center. Pauley unexpectedly passed away in October 2020. On what would’ve been her 57th birthday, the Columbia College community and members of her family gathered to remember her and formally dedicate a tree and plaque in her honor.

Welcome. Back.

August brought newfound hope to campus, with students returning for in-seat classes and the college resuming events that hadn't taken place in nearly two years.

Photos and Philanthropy

Following a year removed from celebrating in person, the college’s President’s Society Dinner returned in September. The evening opened inside Brown Hall with a reception at the Sid Larson and Greg Hardwick Art Galleries to showcase the Bruce Davidson Art Exhibit.

Afterward, Michael Vogt, a Springfield, Missouri, police officer and current Columbia College student spoke to share his personal story.

Honoring our Veterans

In November, the college continued its annual celebration of its student veterans with several events around campus.

Home for the Holidays

The college's Holiday Lighting celebration and Alumni Holiday Party were both back after a year's hiatus.

Commencement For All Ages

Among the hundreds of unique stories that began, in some cases, decades ago, they all converged to a shared result last Saturday: a degree from Columbia College. A total of 243 graduates from 12 different countries participated in two commencement ceremonies inside the arena at Southwell Complex. Dr. David Russell presided over his first commencement since being named as the college’s 18th president in October, as well as the first ceremony held on campus in two years.

This website was started with Mobirise