HOMECOMING EVENTS
Friday, October 21
♦ Denotes a Columbia College event
♦ Faculty Lecture | First Stars, Second Life? The remarkable vision of the James Webb Space Telescope with Professor David J. Helfand
In April 1990 the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, providing views of the universe that have riveted us for a third of a century. But Hubble’s eyes, while vastly larger and unobscured by the atmosphere, are pretty much like our own — limited to just over a single octave of cosmic radiation. On Christmas morning 2021, we opened a new window on the universe with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. By far the most complex device ever placed in space, Webb is allowing us to see how the first stars and galaxies emerged from the Dark Ages of the early universe, and to assay the atmospheres of planets beyond our solar system in a search for extraterrestrial life.
David J. Helfand, a Columbia faculty member for 45 years, has spent nearly half of that time as chair of the Department of Astronomy. He has authored more than 200 scientific publications and has mentored 22 Ph.D. students, but most of his pedagogical efforts have been aimed at teaching science to non-science majors. He instituted the first change to the Core Curriculum in 50 years by introducing the course Frontiers of Science, now required for all first-years. In 2005, Helfand joined an effort to create Canada’s first independent, nonprofit university, Quest University Canada; he was president and vice-chancellor from 2008 to 2015. He recently completed a four-year term as president of the American Astronomical Society and currently chairs the American Institute of Physics. His first book, A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age: Scientific Habits of Mind, appeared, appropriately, in 2016.
Columbia Wrestling Practice
Join “The Nation's Oldest Program” for a homecoming workout on the lawn. With a focus on the 2022-23 season and success on the mat, Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling Zach Tanelli is excited to welcome you to celebrate the program.
♦ Dinner with Roar-ee on South Lawn
Kick off Homecoming Weekend at a casual outdoor dinner on South Lawn with alumni and students. Dine with friends and chat with current students to learn what the College is like today. Enjoy John Jay Dining with halal gyro, Italian sausage and peppers, stir-fry and more, as well as desserts and beverages.
♦ Pep Rally
Basketball Mania
Field Hockey: Columbia vs. Dartmouth
Cheer on the Lions as they take on the Big Green!
♦ Young Alumni Happy Hour
Saturday, October 22
♦ Homecoming Lunch
Spend the afternoon with classmates and enjoy a seasonal buffet lunch that includes finger foods, desserts and a cash bar. Bring your family and friends, reminisce about your Columbia experience and enjoy this autumn tradition. Test your skills at cornhole and giant Jenga, take a stroll through the new Beer Garden, and enjoy food and drinks while picking up swag.
Cash bar will be open until 1:30 p.m. and lunch service will be open until 2:00 p.m., or while supplies last.
Pre-registered
Alumni/Adult Guest (13+): $20
Young Alumni (Classes 2013–22): $15
Columbia Student: $10
Child (12 and under): $10
Walk-in registration
Alumni/Adult Guest (13+): $25
Young Alumni (Classes 2013–22): $20
Columbia Student: $10
Child (12 and under): $10
The first 100 young alumni to purchase a ticket to Saturday’s lunch will receive one free drink ticket, courtesy of Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Young Alumni.
John Jay Associates receive one complimentary lunch ticket as thanks for their generous support. Please email cc-steward@columbia.edu to claim your ticket.
Football: Columbia vs. Dartmouth
*Ticket Required*
Cheer on the Lions as they take on the Big Green!
*All Columbia Athletic events are free for students with valid Columbia University or Barnard College ID! Columbia students will use their ID to swipe into football home games and do not need a hard ticket.
Women’s Soccer: Columbia vs. Dartmouth
Cheer on the Lions as they take on the Big Green!
Black Alumni Council Homecoming Reception
This festive evening will be an opportunity for the Black Lions family to celebrate our community, learn how to get involved and have a great time with new and old Columbia friends.