Once More to Morningside

As this issue entered its last week of production, hundreds of alumni returned to campus for Columbia Reunion 2026. A sharp-eyed observer notices their arrival even before the official start of events. They can be seen strolling the neighborhood — often more slowly than its regular denizens — stopping to pose for photos or to point out favorite spots (here was The West End; look, Mondel is still around!). A while later, they emerge from the Columbia Bookstore with a fresh navy C-hat and bag of spirit gear. Then on to Amsterdam; time for coffee at The Hungarian Pastry Shop, or maybe V&T for pizza and pasta. Old haunts have their way of plucking at heartstrings.

Reunion itself offers plenty for the Lions faithful: faculty lectures and Mini-Core Classes, opportunities to learn about Columbia today, special performances, meals with classmates, alumni receptions of all kinds — for athletes, RAs, COÖPers, Kingsmen, WKCR DJs, Spectator journalists, social justice volunteers, Greek brothers and sisters, and more — and more and more. An alum can fill their card all three days if they choose, including their dance card. Last call is the Starlight Reception, held Saturday night on Low Plaza.

This quality of more-ness — of fellowship and celebration — is what we had in mind when we decided to salute this annual tradition with a cover depicting a festive reunion scene. (Can you find Roar-ee?) While our deadlines were such that we couldn’t include photographs from this year’s event in the print magazine, you can check out our photo essay online.

Inside the issue, we feature five alumni who helped shape the Obama Presidency Oral History. This phenomenal project, produced by Columbia’s Incite Institute, forms a comprehensive record of the Obama years, with interviews not only by individuals who worked in the administration but also activists, artists, organizers and everyday people whose lives were touched in some way by President Barack Obama ’83. Each of our five provides a unique perspective; we learn about the justice department, national security, communications and labor, as well as the landmark 2008 campaign and the President’s relationship with the NAACP.

We also highlight Columbia’s men’s tennis coach extraordinaire Howard Endelman ’87. A former player turned leader, he has cemented the Lions program as one of the top in the country. We caught up with him at the end of an era; his star player, two-time NCAA men’s singles champion Michael Zheng ’26, was wrapping his final season in blue — but as we learn, Endelman has cultivated a coaching style and team culture that will surely prove a winning combination for many years to come.

Of course, this issue wouldn’t be complete without a celebration of the graduating seniors. We have coverage of Class Day, at which award-winning journalist Sara Just ’88 advised the Class of 2026 on the importance of lifelong learning. We also highlight five graduates who received Leadership and Excellence Awards, as well as the student speaker, who delivered a message about the relationships that sustained and uplifted him at the College, and the value of finding community.

That feeling of community is what keeps us together. It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s reunion, scheduled for Thursday, June 3–Saturday, June 5.

Have a great summer, Lions!

Alexis Boncy SOA’11
Editor-in-Chief