Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Columbia Engineering’s Class of 2020 gathered virtually May 18 and 20 for a Class Day and Commencement unlike any in the university’s history. Watching worldwide with family and friends, the new graduates marked the milestone with remarks from peers, faculty, and Class Day keynote speaker Ya-Qin Zhang, a pioneer in online video as both engineer and executive.

“My young friends, this is the defining moment for you extraordinary Columbia engineers to rise, to shine and to answer the historic call of duty,” said Zhang, formerly chair of Microsoft China and head of Baidu Inc. “With not only your talent, spark and innovations, but also compassion, courage and humanity.”

Viewers heard reflections from class president Sambhav Jain, valedictorian Emma Schechter and longtime Engineering Graduate Student Council leader Arvind Srinivasan, in addition to Dean Mary C. Boyce and Columbia University President Lee Bollinger. Plus, Senior Vice Dean Souleymane Kachani and Vice Dean Barclay Morrison highlighted recipients of the School’s most prestigious awards.

“You entered Columbia as among the best and brightest of your generation,” Boyce said. “We can’t wait to see what you do!”

Scroll down to watch the Class Day Ceremonies on YouTube.

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Class of 2020 Award Winners

Valedictorian and Illig Prize – Emma Schechter

Salutatorian – Pranav Shrestha

George Vincent Wendell Prize – Albert Tai

Morton B. Friedman Memorial Prize for Excellence – Negar Reiskarimian

Graduate Student Life Leadership Awards – Ashritha Eadara and Sheila Misheni

Doctoral Graduate Student Life Leadership Award – Christopher Mosher

Faculty Award Winners

Edward and Carole Kim Award for Faculty Involvement -
Shiho Kawashima, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

Janette and Armen Avanessians Diversity Award -
Allie Obermeyer, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering