My four years in Morningside Heights were transformative. Columbia opened my eyes to the limitless educational possibilities offered by a great university, set in a diverse and resource-rich city.

Coming to NYC from a genteel, sheltered western suburb of Boston in August 1979 proved a powerful antidote to suburban preconceptions and, yes, prejudices concerning poverty and opportunity in America. The obstacles to acquiring a quality education were everywhere apparent, and remain just as formidable today. A policy of need-blind admissions is absolutely critical to overcome the significant financial hurdles facing students and their families. That's what most motivates me to support the Columbia College Fund.