I often say that “College Walk doesn’t just extend from Broadway to Amsterdam, it extends around the world.” Columbia College students live within a diverse, vibrant community of peers who come from all 50 states and 83 countries. They study world classics in small Core seminars, connect with the highest-caliber faculty and learn to think beyond their comfort zones. And their undergraduate experience extends beyond the classroom — students engage with New York City though internships, cultural and service opportunities, and as part of their classes; do research with renowned faculty in many departments, centers and institutes; and intern and study around the globe.

During Fiscal Year 2013–2014, we extended that College experience on the Morningside campus, across New York City and around the world. We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Italian Cultural Studies in Venice program, created three study-abroad programs and launched a global fellowship for rising sophomores. We expanded the residential experience through new special-interest housing and wellness programs, enhanced advising programs for students, including for those who are the first in their families to attend college, and strengthened student-alumni connections through a new student ambassador program.

We also enriched the academic experience using new teaching technologies and expanded entrepreneurial opportunities through a new start-up internship program for students and a start-up workspace for young alumni. And we saw students take their education beyond the classroom. Several students expanded on their coursework to create a peer education and mentorship program for Native high school students. One student brought health care to China’s rural villages. And another student created a website that mapped out the places the College had taken her, and encouraged others to do the same.

The Columbia College Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2013–2014 celebrates these new programs and opportunities, and the alumni, parents, students and friends who made them possible. It shares the College’s accomplishments and student, alumni and faculty member achievements. It gives a glimpse of what happened along College Walk this year and where students took advantage of opportunities around the globe. And it shows how, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, the College experience was extended on campus, across the city and around the world.

You have probably heard me say before that Columbia College is the greatest college in the greatest university in the greatest city in the world. This year’s Annual Report demonstrates some of the things we are doing to make the student experience even better. On behalf of all of us at Columbia College, thank you again for your support. I hope you will enjoy learning more about and celebrating all the great things happening at the College.

Roar, Lion(s), Roar,

James J. Valentini
Dean of Columbia College and
Vice President for Undergraduate Education