Columbia University Class of 1910: A Timeless Tribute

This historical photograph features members of the Columbia University Class of 1910, captured by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920. It serves as a visual time capsule of a pivotal period in American education and culture. Columbia University, founded in 1754, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. By 1910, the university had established a reputation for academic excellence and was adapting to the rapidly changing society of the early 20th century, including the rise of new fields of study and an influx of diverse student populations.

The photograph showcases the graduates dressed in formal academic attire, symbolizing their achievements and the culmination of their studies. These individuals embarked on their professional journeys during a time of significant social, political, and economic change. The years following their graduation saw events such as World War I, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and the roaring twenties, all of which would influence their futures and the nation at large. Captured by the Bain News Service, known for documenting a wide range of events and personalities through photography, this image not only highlights these graduates but also reflects the spirit of a transformative era in American higher education.