The first graduates of Columbia College

It all started with six young women: Sallie Bedford, Emma Gordon, Adeline Jones, Emma Jameson, Sarah Reeds and Martha Shirley.

An 1856 Christian College diploma.

They were the first students to graduate from Christian College in 1853. Enrollment at Christian College quickly reached 101 students by fall 1852 and 150 students by 1856.

Today, Columbia College serves nearly 25,000 students worldwide.