Columbia College Today

It’s almost time for Alumni Reunion Weekend, the once-a-year event you won’t want to miss if your class year ends in a 2 or 7. Save May 31–June 3 for campus activities, cultural outings, discussions and panels, great meals, cocktail parties and the reliving of old memories while making new ones. It’s not too late to register.

Reunion attendees of all ages enjoy the Saturday night Starlight Reception on Low Plaza, which features music, dancing, champagne and desserts.

PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO

The Class of 1957 gets the party started on Wednesday, May 30, with all other reunion-year classes joining in on Thursday, May 31. Attendees should start things off by checking in at the registration desk in Alfred Lerner Hall, the place to get your nametag, schedules and the most up-to-date information. On Thursday evening, the weekend officially kicks off with welcome receptions and cocktail parties, followed by the opportunity to hear the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center or see a hot Broadway show: Inherit the Wind (starring Brian Dennehy ’60), Jersey Boys, Tarzan or The Color Purple. Sign up early for Broadway shows.

Rest up after your show (or time spent on your own), because Friday morning features a Chelsea art gallery crawl, “Back on Campus” activities such as Mini-Core Courses and walking tours of Morningside Heights and Butler Library. While free, these events require registration. After lunch, more Mini-Core Courses are available, as well as the annual Alumni Representative Committee reception (for ARC members and those who wish to join). Later, participate in another Back on Campus event, then enjoy class-specific events such as cocktail parties, receptions and dinners.

Alumni Reunion Weekend is a great time to see the campus, meet up with old friends and make new ones. Here, some 1976ers take a break from all the activity last year.

PHOTO: CHRIS TAGGART

Those who observe the Sabbath are invited to join friends, family and classmates for a Tri-College (College, SEAS, Barnard) candle-lighting and services followed by dinner with a guest speaker.

Friday activities continue late into the night with one of reunion’s most popular Young Alumni events: Casino Royale, being held at a new venue this year, the Nokia Theatre in midtown, and highlighted with a James Bond/007 theme.

On Saturday morning, stop by Roone Arledge Auditorium in Lerner Hall for a continental breakfast, then attend a Service of Remembrance. Alumni with children may then drop them off, if desired, at the supervised Camp Columbia for Kids (for children ages 3–12) and then join all reunion classes in Lerner Hall’s Cinema for a State of the College Address and Alumni Panel featuring Dean Austin Quigley. The President’s Cup will be presented, and a panel discussion will highlight College developments during the past 50 years.

Lunch is either a class-specific event (’42, ’52, ’57), a “Coney Island at Columbia” party on the lawns or free time to dine on your own around Morningside Heights.

This will be the second year that Mini-Core Courses are offered to reunion attendees. Participants are given material to read ahead of time and attend a class, just like when they were students.

PHOTO: MICHAEL DAMES

After you’ve eaten, get ready to learn and share your knowledge and experiences at class panels and discussions, amp up your career by attending a Career Services Presentation or find out just how competitive the College is today at “The College Admissions Process.” Later in the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting, “A Passport to the World,” then join classmates for an elegant Saturday night dinner, which will feature your class photo (business attire, except for the Class of 1957, which is black-tie). Don’t leave before the Starlight Reception, which allows you to dance the night away on Low Plaza with plenty of champagne and sweets.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with a bagel, cream cheese and lox brunch hosted by Columbia Athletics.

Online registration, a complete program of reunion events and general information may be found on the Alumni Reunion Weekend website, or refer to the brochure you received in the mail. For answers to any other questions, please contact the Alumni Office: 212-870-2288 or toll-free, 1-866-CCALUMNI.

AROUND THE QUADS

See Old Friends, Make New Ones at Alumni Reunion Weekend