Yo-Yo Ma is an accomplished, world-renowned cellist and Patti Smith is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in American Music. Both are two of this year's honorary degree recipients at Columbia for our Commencement on May 18, 2022. This is the first in-person graduation that Columbia has had in years, and we should mark the spirit of coming together with a special send off.

And the fact is, when it comes to Yo-Yo Ma, there is a precedent. At Brandeis University's 2011 commencement exercises, students successfully petitioned their University's administration to have him play at their commencement and he readily agreed! If we can get enough people from all of the schools across Columbia, we may be able to make this happen! Encourage faculty and recent alumni who are returning to sign too! If I can get at least 1000 signatures, I'll send it along to President Bollinger.

Sign your name, which school you are a part of, and your graduation year (or if you are faculty).

Thanks!

Leigh Nusbaum, SIPA (MPA-DP) 2022