Early this morning, a group of Columbia University seniors gathered around the Great Hill in Central Park. Together, they stood in light blue caps and gowns, applauding for one another. Uncertain of what the future holds — this past week, the school canceled in-person classes in response to COVID-19 — members of the class of 2020 decided to host their own commencement ceremony.

The event called “DIY Graduation” was organized on Facebook, with a description that read, “college has been cool … guess it’s uhh over :/. We say hell no to this anticlimax, let’s go out with a bang!” The details instructed participants to “eat, drink, and laugh in Central Park, gain some much needed closure, and don’t let your friends slowly fade away! For anyone who comes, we will say your name & clap for you bc apparently no one else will lmao.”

Carla Singson, a Sustainable Development Major from the Philipines, told Her Campus that with many students leaving over the next week, it made sense to have a celebration to take photos together and commemorate their college experience. Unlike other universities, such as Harvard, that sent students home due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, Columbia has decided to keep their campus open. “They’ve done a really good job,” said Carla, an international student who will remain on campus. She explained that the school is encouraging students to leave if they can, and are providing support to those in need. “They’re offering up to $500 to students to store their belongings or to buy food, and even purchase plane tickets. But they are leaving campus open to anyone who can’t leave,” Carla said.

At the event, students walked in a procession as their names and majors were announced. And, as promised, each “graduate” received applause. “It’s really amazing how our class has come together, and how the last few days have really restored my faith in people,” said Cara Maines, an English Major from Texas. With Cara heading home, and Carla remaining in New York City, the two roommates found comfort in this event. “We actually only know a few people here, but we are all in this together,” explained Cara.

While Columbia has not yet announced plans for the 2020 commencement, many seniors are feeling some closure thanks to the “DIY Graduation.”

Columbia Students Host Central Park “DIY Graduation” Amidst COVID-19 Uncertainty

We wanna slide into your DMs