Four graduation-related events on Dec. 7 and 8 will celebrate the 734 Columbus State University students who comprise its Fall 2023 graduating class. The festivities will include three ceremonies throughout the day on Friday that mark the university’s 126th commencement exercises.

These events include the following—all of which will take place in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on the university’s Main Campus:

• Graduate Hooding Ceremony: Thursday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
• College of the Arts and D. Abbott Turner College of Business & Technology Commencement Ceremony: Friday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.
• College of Letters & Sciences Commencement Ceremony: Friday, Dec. 8, 12:30 p.m.
• College of Education & Health Professions Commencement Ceremony: Friday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

During these ceremonies, Columbus State anticipates conferring 749 degrees and certificates, representing opportunities for students to earn dual degrees and certificates along with their degrees. These include seven doctoral degrees, nine education specialist degrees, 205 master’s degrees, two graduate certificates, 411 bachelor’s degrees, 15 associate degrees, 15 nexus degrees, and 85 undergraduate certificates.  

Each of Friday’s ceremonies will feature Bárbara Rivera Holmes (pictured) as the university’s commencement speaker. Holmes is one of the 19 regents who volunteer their service to govern the University System of Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities. Each is appointed by the governor to represent one of the state’s 14 congressional districts or to fill one of five at-large appointments. Holmes, who represents Georgia’s 2nd congressional district, is the president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce — one of the state’s largest and most dynamic business advocacy organizations, supporting member business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals.

Since Columbus State University’s founding as Columbus College in 1958, the university has bestowed degrees and certificates on more than 40,000 students. As alumni, they become automatic members of the CSU Alumni Association upon graduation.