188th Commencement
Come relive the Union Theological Seminary Commencement on Friday, May 15, where we celebrated the graduating class of 2026. Families, friends, Union alumni, and the wider community were invited to honor their hard work and dedication as our graduates took the next steps toward positively impacting the world. The ceremony was a moment of gratitude, reflection, and celebration.
DAY OF SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Chapel Service | James Memorial Chapel | 9:00 am
Grab & Go Drink and Snack | Quad | 9:45 am
Class Photo | Burke Library Steps on Broadway and 120th | 10:05 am
Line-Up | Outside Burke Library on Broadway and 120th | 10:30 am
Procession | Outside Burke Library on Broadway | 10:45 am
Ceremony | Manhattan School of Music | 11:00 am
Light Reception and Pictures | Quad | 12:30 pm
Robe Return | The Pit | 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Chapel Service
James Memorial Chapel | 9:00 am ET
3041 Broadway, New York NY 10027
Ceremony
Neidorff-Karpati Hall at Manhattan School of Music | 11:00 am ET
130 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027
doors open for guests at 10:00 am
Reception
The Quad | 12:30 pm ET
3041 Broadway, New York NY 10027
(Rain Location: James Memorial Chapel)
Announcement | Commissioning Ceremonies | Local Accommodations
Announcements
Robes
Robe distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 from 9 AM – 5 PM in Room AD 116. If for any reason you are not able to pick up your robe on either of these two dates, there will be one final opportunity on Commencement Day, May 15, from 9 AM – 10 AM.
Robe “Drop-Off” will be in the Pit on Friday, May 15, from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. If for any reason you do not return your robe by 3:30 PM, you will be responsible for shipping your gown back to Herff-Jones.
Commencement Tickets
Each graduate is able to bring up to five (5) guests to the ceremony. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we must adhere to this limit for the safety and comfort of all attendees. If you would like to have more than 5 guests, please contact Dean Sandra Montes at [email protected], and we will do our best to accommodate your request. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and look forward to sharing this memorable day with you and your guests. You will be able to pick up your tickets when you pick up your robes.
For current students, there will be seating available in the balcony section. Tickets for current students will not be required, however, your Union ID will serve as your ticket.
May 2026 graduates: If you haven’t submitted your Graduation Application, please do so before Monday, March 26 at 5:00 PM. You can access the Graduation Application here
Commissioning Ceremonies
For students and groups planning Commissioning Ceremonies, please email both [email protected] and [email protected] to confirm the date, time, and location for your event.
Local Accommodations
Restaurants
Massawa – Amsterdam & 121st Street:
https://www.massawanyc.com/
Bar 314 – Amsterdam & 122nd Street:
https://www.bar314menu.com/
La Salle Dumpling Room – Broadway between La Salle and Tiemann Place
Pisticci – Broadway & La Salle:
http://www.pisticcinyc.com/
Toast Uptown – Broadway between La Salle and Tiemann Place:
http://www.toastnyc.com/
Lodging
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel – 233 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nychl-renaissance-new-york-harlem-hotel/overview/
Aloft Harlem – 2296 Frederick Douglas Blvd., New York, NY 10027
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nyclh-aloft-harlem/overview/
The Wallace – W 76th Street between Broadway and West End Ave
https://www.thewallace.com/
Edge Washington Heights – W 168th Street between Audubon and Amsterdam
https://www.edgehotelnyc.com/
HI NYC Hostel – Amsterdam between 103rd and 104th
https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/new-york/new-york-891-amsterdam-ave
Columbia University has negotiated rates with numerous preferred hotels in New York City. To learn more about gaining access to access this negotiated rate, visit the Columbia Visitor’s Center Website.