Rebecca Downing

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith, a distinguished national security expert with more than two decades of experience in U.S. and European defense policy, transatlantic relations, and geostrategic risk, will give the address at Colgate University's 2025 Commencement on Sunday, May 18.

Neil R. Grabois, Colgate University’s 13th president and professor of mathematics emeritus, who led the institution to new levels of stature and initiated Hamilton’s Partnership for Community Development, died peacefully in his sleep Oct. 6.

Colgate University has announced several proactive steps to educate the community about the dangers of accidental overdose from opioids and provide greater access to resources that could save lives: free distribution of Narcan/naloxone and training.

Colgate recognized 730 students for earning an A.B. degree, plus 6 master of arts in teaching and one master of arts, during Commencement Weekend 2024, May 17–19. Financier-turned-human-rights-activist and author Bill Browder gave the commencement address.

Financier-turned–human rights activist Bill Browder will give the address at Colgate University’s 2024 Commencement on Sunday, May 19. After his lawyer Sergei Magnitzky died while imprisoned without trial in Russia in 2009, Browder sought justice by lobbying for the Magnitsky Act — a 2012 bill that authorized the U.S. government to sanction human rights offenders and freeze their assets. Browder will receive an honorary degree alongside Angela Ferguson; Mohsin Hamid; Michael J. Herling ’79, P’08,’09,’12; and Tod Machover.

Nearly 700 graduating members of the Class of 2023 received their bachelor of arts degrees from Colgate University on Sunday, May 21.

Approximately 3,250 family members flocked to Colgate to spend time with their students on campus, Oct. 22–24, 2021. Outdoor events and a check-in process provided fun and safe options for gathering.

A Muslim prayer room and Kosher kitchen in Interfaith House at 110 Broad Street will help to meet the needs of students in Colgate’s increasingly diverse population.

Adapting to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is planning two observances to mark the accomplishments of the Class of 2020.

Ambassador Samantha Power, 28th U.S. permanent representative to the United nations, will deliver the commencement address at Colgate University on May 17, 2020.