July/August 2008

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Alumni Reconnect

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2008 kicked off on May 29 with welcome receptions and cocktail parties, many hosted by alumni. Attendees visited Morningside Heights favorite Havana Central at The West End and also journeyed downtown to Lincoln Center, Times Square, the Columbia Club and beyond to join classmates in getting the party started. Dean Austin Quigley was a welcome guest at many of these receptions.

Meet and Mingle on Campus

The best part of reunion may be the thrill of seeing long-lost friends. Or perhaps it’s seeing Alma Mater in all her glory on Low Steps. Or maybe it’s bringing your family to the place you spent four important, happy years. Whatever the case may be, reunion was a wonderful time to be on campus and to enjoy the beautiful grounds, visit with classmates and hang out on Low Plaza.

Wining and Dining

Lunches and dinners were some of the busiest events during reunion, as alumni and guests took advantage of the opportunity to eat and drink with old friends while making new ones. All classes were offered class-specific meals, with many at elegant campus locations such as Casa Italiana and Low Rotunda, as well as an old stomping ground, John Jay Dining Hall, and a new favorite, Alfred Lerner Hall. Two classes also got to eat in Butler Library, a no-no in their student days. Some classes invited guest speakers such as a beloved professor, while others invited classmates to share undergraduate memories.

Family Fun

Alumni Reunion Weekend was fun for the entire family. Many of the weekend events were family-friendly, especially the barbecues under the big tents on South Field. And while alumni, spouses and guests were attending panel discussions, lectures, a wine-tasting or formal class dinners on Saturday, Camp Columbia kept children entertained with activities, clowns, face-painting, movies, treats and more.

Back to the Classroom

A trip to campus wouldn’t be complete without reliving the days of being in a Hamilton or Schermerhorn classroom. This time around, however, alumni enjoyed Mini-Core Course lectures, led by current College professors, or listened to, learned from and sometimes challenged classmates (just like the old days!) at class-specific panels. Some panels included members of the newest group of alumni, the Class of 2008, who gave a feel for what the College is like today. Meanwhile, at an all-class convocation, Joe Cabrera ’82 received the President’s Cup for service to a reunion class from last year’s recipient, Brian C. Krisberg ’81.

Party into the Night

Two of reunion’s highlights each year are the Young Alumni Casino Royale and the Starlight Reception. On Friday, about 1,000 young alumni gathered at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square for gaming to win Columbia-themed prizes and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. On Saturday, after a full day of panels, lunches, classes, a wine-tasting and dinners, hundreds of alumni, spouses and guests converged for desserts and dancing under the tent on Low Steps.

2008 Dean's Pin Recipients

Dean’s Pins are given to members of each class’ reunion committee who have demonstrated particular dedication to and involvement in their reunion.

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