Thursday, May 29

MORNING & EVENING SESSIONS

Alumni Welcome Receptions and Class Events
Find more information about milestone class-specific events by using the class year buttons at the bottom.

Friday, May 30

MORNING SESSION

Uncovering the Past: A Journey Through Columbia’s Judaica Collection
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Butler Library, Rare Book Room, 6th Fl.
Explore the history of Columbia’s Judaica collection with Norman E. Alexander Librarian for Jewish Studies Michelle Margolis. Delve into the archives in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.

A Beautiful Response to Adversity: Lessons from Jazz — Faculty Lecture
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 555
Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music Chris Washburne will explore how jazz offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond music performance. It examines how jazz musicians use improvisation to create their art and how these improvisatory processes can translate into daily life, enriching our experiences. Additionally, it highlights how jazz fosters creativity, enhances interpersonal interactions and strengthens survival skills. Ultimately, jazz is a powerful strategic model for resilience.

Understanding the Highly Selective Admissions Process
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Jed D. Satow Room, 5th Fl.
Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions Dana Pavarini will share insights on the college search process, admissions at highly-selective institutions and the evolving landscape of higher education.

MoMA Guided Tour: “Collection 1950–1970s”*
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Museum of Modern Art | 11 W. 53rd St.

Vertical Tour of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine – Morning*
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine | 1047 Amsterdam Ave.

Study, Eat, Sleep: A History of Everyday Student Life at Columbia
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Butler Library, Rm 523
For 270 years, Columbia students have followed a similar routine: study, eat, sleep, repeat. With the University Archives staff as your guide, discover (or revisit) the everyday experiences of Columbia students at the three campuses: Park Place, 49th Street and Morningside Heights. This talk will explore how and where Columbians studied, what their dining options were and what kind of accommodations were available.

Then vs. Now: What’s It Like on the Other Side? – Alumni Panel
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Cinema, 2nd Fl.
This lively panel features alumni from the Class of 1990 who have returned to the classroom, this time as educators. Hear their reflections on how teaching compares to learning, what’s changed (and what hasn’t) through the decades and how today’s students stack up the panelists’ former selves. A nostalgic and insightful look at education through the eyes of those who’ve seen both sides.

*Additional cost to attend

AFTERNOON SESSION

Sympathy for the Devil: How Dante Invented Hell to Make Us Question Moral Absolutism — Faculty Lecture
1:00 p.m–2:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 555
Professor of English and Comparative Literature Eleanor Johnson will argue that Dante’s Divine Comedy is the most influential work of medieval vernacular literature in the European Middle Ages. Without fully realizing it, modern Christianity, and even popular culture, are heavily reliant on Dante for their understandings and depictions of Hell, as well as for their sense of how divine justice might work to punish sin. But it’s important to remember that Dante wasn’t blindly following contemporary theology — he was rethinking, reinventing and reimagining baseline Christian beliefs. If you read the Inferno closely, you find a vision of God and a vision of Hell that are radical, shocking and far more critical of the idea of divine justice than we might imagine.

Engineering Lecture 1: Myths and Realities of Quantum Computing
Friday, May 30, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Davis Auditorium, CESPR | 530 W. 120th St.
Quantum computing has been making splashy headlines. Henry Yuen, the Srivani Family Associate Professor of Computer Science, will share some scientific perspectives on the pace of advancement of quantum computing, its promises and the many things we still don't know about it. Note: there is no pre-registration required to attend this event.

Rousseau, Revolution and Repetition Compulsion — Faculty Lecture
1:00 p.m–2:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Wang Pavilion, Lower Level
Associate Professor of History Charly Coleman will dissect how Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s relationship to the French Revolution has obsessed scholars and political actors since 1789. For some, the self-styled citizen of Geneva heralded the dawn of a new age of freedom. For others, his pernicious influence led directly to the horrors of totalitarianism in the 20th century. This lecture will offer a reading of Rousseau in dialogue with interlocutors known to students of Contemporary Civilization, from Augustine of Hippo to Frantz Fanon, to challenge this belief.

Morningside Heights Campus Tour
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Meet at Alma Mater.

Museum of the City of New York Guided Tour: “New York at Its Core”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Museum of the City of New York | 1220 5th Ave.

Lincoln Center Guided Tour
2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center | 10 Lincoln Center Plaza

Vertical Tour of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine — Afternoon*
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine | 1047 Amsterdam Ave.

Columbia/Barnard Hillel: Jewish Life Alumni Reception
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life | 606 W. 115th St., 5th Fl.
Join Columbia/Barnard Hillel for a warm and welcoming Jewish Life Alumni Reception. Reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your time on campus and hear about the vibrant Jewish life that is thriving at Columbia and Barnard today.

Morningside Heights Campus Tour
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Meet at Alma Mater

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Technologies of Trust — Faculty Lecture
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Wang Pavilion, Lower Level
Associate Professor of Art History and Archaeology Zeynep Çelik Alexander will engage attendees on the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work has been a longstanding component of the Art Humanities syllabus. This lecture will interpret anew a well-known building by Wright, the Larkin Administration Building in Buffalo, N.Y., by closely examining a little-known aspect of its design: its built-in technologies to process information. This lecture also hopes to offer an architectural account of the history of the contemporary regime of “big data” by arguing that the building’s proto-database was, first and foremost, a moral technology that was predicated on managing networks of trust.

The Purpose of the University in a Democratic Society — Faculty Lecture
3:00 p.m–4:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 555
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for the Core Curriculum Larry Jackson explains his viewpoint, which is inspired by philosopher John Dewey’s vision of education. The founders of the Core Curriculum emphasized the continuity between active learning in the classroom and participation in a democratic society. How does that vision continue to guide us more than a century later, and what are the greatest challenges that we face? Drawing on the history and philosophical underpinnings of the Core, as well as works and ideas from its syllabi, this lecture will explore the civic purpose of universities.

Alumni Panel: Athletics
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Cinema, 2nd Fl.
Get an inside look at what it’s like to coach a Columbia sports team. Featuring Columbia Women’s Golf Coach Amy Weeks and Columbia Football Coach Jon Poppe. Moderated by Chris Totman CC’00.

Beginner’s Mind with Deantini
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Columbia Alumni Center | 622 W. 113th St., Shapiro Conference Room, 8th Fl.
We all have beliefs that guide the understanding of ourselves and the world around us but can also limit that understanding. Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki’s quotation, “In the Beginner’s Mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few,” advocates for an approach to life that is open to endless possibilities, free from preconceived notions or biases. Dean Emeritus of Columbia College and Professor of Chemistry James J. Valentini and Trevor Rukwava CC’21 will discuss self-awareness, intellectual humility and the Beginner’s Mind.
REGISTER

Annual Double Discovery Center Alumni Reception
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 569
DDC alumni, friends and former staff are invited to this all-class celebration to reminisce, reconnect and renew their involvement with the DDC.

*Additional cost to attend

EVENING EVENTS

Columbia College Young Alumni Community Roundtable
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Columbia Alumni Center | 622 W. 113th St., King’s Conference Room, 1st Fl.
Join the Class of 2015 Reunion Committee and other alumni for this roundtable on how we move forward as a community and engage with the current campus climate. This event is exclusively for alumni from the Classes of 2015–25.
REGISTER

Alumni Reunion Weekend Mass and Merton Institute Reception
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Mass followed by Coffee and informal reception)
The Church of Notre Dame | 405 W 114th St. (Morningside and 114th) |

Reception at the Merton Institute, a new Alumni initiative to promote Catholic Life at Columbia.

Chelsea Piers Party*
7:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Chelsea Piers | Pier Sixty | between West 19th and 20th Streets
Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing with Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies and Barnard College classmates and friends as the sun sets at Pier Sixty — one of Manhattan’s most spectacular waterfront venues!

Columbia/Barnard Hillel: Shabbat Dinner*
8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life | 606 W. 115th St.
Every week, hundreds of students come together at the Kraft Center for Shabbat dinner. Share in that joyous experience by joining alumni from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies and Barnard College for a festive family-style dinner. Alumni families are welcome, too!

*Additional cost to attend

Saturday, May 31

MORNING SESSION

Dean’s Breakfast and State of the College Discussion
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Auditorium, 1st Fl.

Reunion Keynote: Acting President Claire Shipman CC’86, SIPA’94
10:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Auditorium, 1st Fl.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Lunch Under the Tents
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
South Lawn

Columbia Alumni Affinity Group Reception
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Lerner Hall, Room 555
Presented by the Asian Columbia Alumni Association, Black Alumni Council and Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University. All alumni and guests are welcome.

Behind the Scenes: Alumni Shaping the Entertainment Industry – Alumni Panel
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Jed D. Satow Room, 5th Fl.
Get an inside look at the ever-evolving world of entertainment with a dynamic group of alumni from the Class of 1990.

Engineering Lecture 2: Computer in the Sky
Saturday, May 31, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Davis Auditorium, CESPR | 530 W. 120th St.
Explore blockchain protocols with Tim Roughgarden, professor of computer science. Blockchain protocols such as Ethereum and Solana approximate the idealized abstraction of a shared “computer in the sky” that is open access (anyone can install software or interact with already-installed software), runs in plain view, and, in effect, has no owner or operator. This technology can enable stronger notions of ownership of digital possessions than we have ever had before. Building the computer in the sky is hard and requires the synthesis of multiple disciplines, both within computer science (distributed computing, cryptography, algorithmic game theory) and beyond (mechanism design, macroeconomics, finance, political science). Note: there is no pre-registration required to attend this event.

WKCR Alumni Gathering
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
WKCR-FM Station | N.W. Corner of Broadway and 114th Street

Community Impact Gathering
2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Earl Hall, Rm 105
Reconnect with Community Impact alumni, students and staff to celebrate shared memories, meaningful friendships and the lasting impact of service that helped shape your Columbia journey.

Performing Arts Reception Gathering
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Wang Pavilion, Lower Level
Reconnect with alumni from Columbia’s vocal, instrumental and theater groups and enjoy refreshments and light food. All alumni and guests are invited.

The Class of 2035: Reimagining Education in the Age of AI
3:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Cinema, 2nd Fl.
What will education look like a decade from now? As artificial intelligence (AI) is now reshaping industries and everyday life, this panel will explore how emerging technologies could transform the classroom, the curriculum and the student experience by 2035. Professor of Computer Science and Vice Dean of Computing and Artificial Intelligence and the Columbia Engineering Vishal Misra and Professor of History and Vice Dean for AI Initiatives in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Matt Connelly will lead a forward-thinking discussion on how to prepare the next generation of learners in a world that is increasingly influenced by AI.

1754 Reception
3:00 p.m–4:00 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 555
This reception will honor members of the 1754 Society and give attendees the opportunity to learn more about planned gifts to Columbia.

Lion’s Pride Panel
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Faculty House | 64 Morningside Dr. | Presidential Ballroom, 3rd Fl.
This panel will celebrate the 2025 Lion’s Pride Honors recipients — exceptional young alumni who are creating meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Selected every three years, honorees exemplify the values of leadership, service and impact. This inspiring conversation will highlight the powerful ways recent College graduates are shaping the world. The Lion’s Pride Honors is a collaboration between Columbia College Young Alumni and Columbia College Today.

Community Gathering: Veterans’ Reception
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Center for Veteran Transition and Integration | 1180 Amsterdam Ave. | Kent Hall, Rm 205
Presented by Columbia General Studies.

Community Gathering: LGBTQ+ Reception
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Barnard College | 3009 Broadway | The Diana Center | Millicent Carey McIntosh Student Dining Room, 2nd Fl.

Friends of Bill W. Meeting
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Columbia Alumni Center | 622 W. 113th Street | King’s Conference Room, 1st Fl.

Great Teacher Awards Reception*
4:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
Faculty House | 64 Morningside Dr. | Seminar Level, 2nd Fl.
The Society of Columbia Graduates and the deans of Columbia College and Columbia Engineering will recognize this year’s Great Teacher Award recipients: Nicholas Dames, director of undergraduate studies and the Theodore Kahan Professor of Humanities, and Hardeep Johar, senior lecturer in the discipline of industrial engineering and operations research.

*Additional cost to attend

EVENING EVENTS

Golden Lions Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life | 606 W. 115th St., 5th Fl.

Class of 1975 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Pulitzer Hall (Journalism), World Room

Class of 1980 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm 555

Class of 1985 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Casa Italiana | 1161 Amsterdam Ave.

Class of 1990 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Faculty House | 64 Morningside Dr. | Skyline Level, 4th Fl.

Class of 1995 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Faculty House | 64 Morningside Dr., Presidential Ballroom, 3rd Fl.

Class of 2000 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Low Rotunda

Class of 2005 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Pulitzer Hall (Journalism), Lecture Hall

Class of 2010 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Low Library, Faculty Room, 2nd Fl.

Class of 2015 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
South Lawn, West Tent

Class of 2020 Reception and Dinner*
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
South Lawn, East Tent

Starlight Celebration
9:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Low Plaza

*Additional cost to attend