A Turning Point for the College

I hope everyone was able to celebrate and spend quality time with family and friends during the holiday season, and that the New Year has begun on a positive and fulfilling note. As I reflect on 2025, my first year as the Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) president, I feel a sense of optimism and renewal.

At Convocation last August, I witnessed unrelenting energy and enthusiasm from New Student Orientation Program leaders as they welcomed the Class of 2029; the excitement from first-years and their families was likewise palpable. For Columbia Homecoming 2025, held on Oct. 18, alumni, students, families and guests came out in record numbers — the most in 10 years! And a few days later, Columbia Giving Day reflected another outpouring of pride — and generosity. The support demonstrated on this signature day of philanthropy reaffirmed what we already knew: Columbia College alumni believe deeply in the mission of our institution and in the future of its students.

In November, we held one of the College’s signature events, the Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner, where we honored Andrew F. Barth ’83, BUS’85. The Alexander Hamilton Medal, the highest honor awarded to a member of the Columbia College community, is given for distinguished service to the College and accomplishment in one’s field. Andy certainly exceeded this description, given his exceptional leadership at Columbia, with wrestling on the collegiate and world stages, and as a finance and investment professional. He is an inspiration for our community.

The shared pride we feel as College graduates was on full display at each of these events. It was gratifying and comforting to see alumni and students smile and be happy in each other’s company.

Continuing to build and strengthen our community is a primary goal for the CCAA this year. In this respect, we need you. Attend an event, mentor a student, make a gift to the Columbia College Fund; lean into supporting the College and help the CCAA further galvanize this renewed energy.

As we look ahead, we will continue to emphasize alumni-to- alumni support and connection. In March, the West Coast Honors event in Los Angeles will celebrate some of our most talented and dedicated alumni, recognizing them for professional achievement and distinguished service to the College. At the end of May, we’ll gather for Columbia Reunion 2026, where alumni of all generations return to campus to reminisce, reconnect and rediscover what makes Columbia so special. The CCAA’s Homecoming and Reunions Committee, led by Lexi Diamond ’91 and Michael Sin ’05, is reimagining this multi-day event to foster more meaningful, small-group opportunities for classmates to share memories, catch up on the years and form new friendships.

The CCAA Board of Directors, meanwhile, is working to expand regional alumni events across the country and abroad. These gatherings — whether a coffee chat, cocktails or dinner — are essential for keeping the Columbia spirit vibrant far beyond Morningside Heights. If you’re interested in attending or helping to organize an event in your area, Alumni Office staff would love to hear from you (ccalumni@columbia.edu).

My hope for this year is that the Columbia College community continues to grow, thrive and support one another. The CCAA is committed to creating opportunities for alumni engagement, friendship and mentorship. While the world remains turbulent and uncertain, our shared College experience — grounded in intellectual rigor, curiosity and compassion — remains a powerful source of stability and pride.

With your continued involvement and support, we will keep building a community that celebrates our education, our friendships and the lasting influence of our time at Columbia. I am deeply grateful for the many words of encouragement I have received since becoming president, and I am inspired every day by your Lion pride and dedication.

Roar, Lion, Roar!