Columbia College Alumni Association
Keeping Koalas Connected
Who We Are
Organized in 1882, our Alumni Association is one of the oldest in the country with approximately 15,000 members. Every semester there are opportunities for you to get involved with recruitment, mentoring, scholarships, hosting local events, campus activities, and more.
You make the place you love stronger — and your support helps ensure Columbia College keeps moving forward.
We encourage you to connect with Columbia College as much as you can. Be sure you don't miss any events, gatherings, or opportunities to become involved by updating your information today.
Don't Miss Out
Join your friends and fellow Koala alumni at special events. And get the lastest info on all alumni events, including the annual Alumni Weekend, where the Alumni Association announces its award winners.
Association Members Can Save
Get reduced rates on rental spaces and more. With theaters, conference rooms, casual gathering spaces, and spacious lecture halls, organizations of all sizes can find an ideal space for performances, conferences, fundraisers, and more.
Access to Career Services
Alumni Association members, which automatically includes all Columbia College graduates, have unfettered access to our career services team for help finding jobs and networking.
News in Your Inbox
Every month, you'll receive an online edition of Columbia College's alumni magazine. Find out about notable alumni achievements, recent campus happenings, class notes, and more.
Alumni Association Benefits
- Exclusive Alumni Events
- Special Discounts
- Career Advancement
- The Columns Online
15,000+ Alumni and Counting
Join Us at Our Next Event
Columbia College is more than its idyllic campus. It's more than its 170 years of traditions. More than its undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Columbia College is all of us. It's the group of more than 15,000 alumni who call this special place home. You are what makes Columbia College what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.
So, we encourage you to get involved, stay connected, and plan a visit soon.
Alumni Association Awards
Each year the Alumni Association recognizes four deserving graduates for their distinguished service to Columbia College and the community at-large, as well as for any outstanding achievements in their chosen professions.
All Columbia College alumni are invited to submit nominations for our Alumni Association Awards.
- 2023 Award Recipients
Distinguished Service Award - Nancy Burch Bunch ‘72
Career Achievement Award - Kaymani “Kay” Daniels West ‘97
Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award - Vivia Lawton Fowler ‘76
Outstanding Young Alumna Award - Kristin Wilson ‘17
- 2022 Award Recipients
Career Achievement Award – Cathy Shields '71
Distinguished Service Award – Tonya Tisdale Green '94
Outstanding Young Alumna Award – Jamesha Shackerford '15
Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award – Ann White '76 and Tiffany Williams Blessingame '00
- 2021 Award Recipients
Career Achievement Award – Beth Roberts Baxley '84
Distinguished Service Award – Carol Stackhouse Hall '74
Outstanding Young Alumna Award – Sarah Faulds Hopkins '09
Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award – Tamekia Ford M '13
- 2020 Award Recipients
Career Achievement Award – Dr. Patricia Bouknight
Distinguished Service Award – Janice Griffin
Outstanding Young Alumna Award – Dr. Emelin Garcia Nieto
Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award – Dr. Amber Heape
Distinguished Service Award
Given to an alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional character and service to Columbia College, their church, their community, and their family.
Career Achievement Award
Given to an alumnus who has distinguished themselves and Columbia College by outstanding accomplishments in their career field.
Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award
Given to an alumnus who has distinguished themselves and Columbia College through outstanding achievements in the field of education.
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Given to an alumnus who is 35 years old or younger and who provides exceptional service to Columbia College through their gifts of time, talent, and financial support.
Making an Impact on Education
Maggie Moore completed her Master of Trauma-Informed Education degree in 2023. As one of her capstone assignments, she wrote an article for publication in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's magazine Teaching Young Children.
Living Our Mission
Sarah Ford graduated from Columbia College in 2004 and was recently thrust into the public eye through the instant success of the podcast she co-hosts. Sarah has appear on CNN, TMZ, and other media outlets.
Empowered Through Service
When asked what makes Matthew proud to be a Koala, he shared, “I am most proud to be an alumnus of this institution with such a rich history of educating and empowering students to change the world!"
Alumni Highlights
- Maggie Moore
- Sarah Ford
- Matthew Melvin
Behind the Stat
Excellence in education, rich in tradition—we're Koala family.
Behind the Stat
Get the skills employers want. Graduate ready for a rewarding career.
Behind the Stat
Join a culture that cares for each other and gives back to society.
Behind the Stat
Vibrant student life in a serene setting. A place that feels like home.
Behind the Stat
Where reasonable tuition meets high-quality education.
Behind the Stat
A mascot as unique as our students. You matter and you're one of a kind.
Keep Exploring
Gear, News & More
Stay Connected with the Alumni Association
Be sure your contact info is current to get the latest news, early notice for campus events, and updates from Columbia College.
Let's Talk
Have questions? Want to get involved? Reach out to our Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, Sara Whitaker.