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.
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.
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.