In a personal message shared with Columbia College, Dr. George D. Yancopoulos CC’80, GSAS’86, VPS’87 has respectfully declined the Senior Class Council’s invitation to serve as the 2022 Class Day Speaker and shared his well wishes for the graduates.

“George is a valued member of the Columbia College community whose personal journey is an inspiration to all of us and whose professional contributions to treating disease and relieving human suffering have benefited all humanity,” said Dean James J. Valentini. “I share George’s regret that he will not speak on Class Day, but know that students should continue to benefit from interacting with him, to experience and understand his scientific insight, innovative entrepreneurship and dedication to improving our lives. We look forward to welcoming him back to campus again in the future.”

The Senior Class Council shared the news with graduating students and commended Dr. Yancopoulos for “his significant contributions to the Columbia community and global health.”

Additional information on the 2022 Class Day program will be made available in the weeks ahead.