I grew up in a working class family in Brooklyn, New York. Neither of my parents graduated from high school. When I was in my senior year in high school, I had little knowledge about colleges or where to apply. A high school counselor brought Columbia to my attention, and I became a member of the Class of 1977. Columbia College was truly a life-changing experience for me and revealed a world of unlimited possibilities. The core curriculum provided an excellent foundation for higher learning and has defined my personal and professional being. My achievements are a direct reflection of my Columbia education, and I am eternally grateful for that experience.

I could not have attended Columbia without scholarships and financial aid. It is critically important that we give back to Columbia and support the endowment so that others of limited means will have the same opportunity that I experienced. A diverse student body is necessary to maintain the vitality and intellectual superiority of Columbia as an institution. I urge all alumni to support Columbia College by contributing to the endowment and the annual fund.