Ivy Chain Ceremony

Ivy Chain is a traditional activity and a rite of passage for Columbia College students. The activity is held the Friday afternoon before commencement and all students graduating within a six month time frame are eligible to participate. In 2023, the ceremony will be held on April 28th at 3 p.m.

Black and white group shot of former Christian College (now Columbia College) female students with ivy draped over sholder.

History

Ivy Chain is one of the most traditional Commencement Week activities. The first Ivy Chain was held in 1900. As part of the early programs, live ivy was planted near St. Clair Hall and the Ivy Song was chanted. Rose Vespers, and rose notes—the gesture of sending a sentimental note to underclass friends asking them to accept a rose from the graduate after the ceremony was completed—are traditions also associated with Ivy Chain.

Registration

Eligibility

Ivy Chain is available to all Columbia College day students who graduated in December 2022 or will graduate in April 2023. There is no fee to participate in Ivy Chain. *Eligibility information subject to change. 

 
 
Modern Columbia College students standing in circle with ivy draped over shoulder.
Big group of Columbia College students standing in circle on front lawn.

Ceremony information

The Ivy Chain Ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on April 28th. More information to come.

Rain location

In case of rain, check-in will still take place in Atkins-Holman Student Commons with ceremony location indoors. Updated information will be posted on the website and at the Commons' doors.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Student Affairs at (573) 875-7400 or StudentAffairs@ccis.edu