Letter from the Alumni Association Presidents
Dear Fellow Columbia Engineers:
Across the globe, the Columbia Engineering alumni community is more vibrant and connected than ever before. Whether you are looking to network, volunteer, or stay up to date on the research happening across campus, finding an event or program that sparks your interests has never been easier. To build momentum for Columbia Engineering for Humanity, Dean Boyce has launched a series of local and international events designed to both inform attendees and encourage an ongoing dialogue. The dean’s vision for the School has created a new and exciting way for undergraduate and graduate alumni across disciplines and industries to engage around their shared values and the cutting-edge research of Columbia Engineering faculty and students.
This past semester, the Engineering School hosted several exciting events. During National Engineering Week in February, Jamey Barbas ’81BC, BS’83 delivered the Magill Lecture and discussed her journey from Barnard and Columbia Engineering student to prominent structural engineer tasked with leading several large-scale bridge projects, including the new Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. In early March, Dean Boyce launched New York City Women in Technology (NYC WIT). This initiative and launch event brought together leaders in academia, business, and government who are working together to elevate and highlight women engineers, scientists, and technologists working to consolidate NYC’s position as a prime technology hub. This initiative is an exciting example of how Columbia Engineering is driving the future of engineering.
The Columbia Engineering Alumni Association (CEAA) and Columbia Engineering Young Alumni (CEYA) board also hosted their signature programs in NYC. The Welcome to the CEAA event, held in February, drew a lively group of attendees and served as a festive opportunity to welcome current seniors and all advanced degree candidates into the alumni family. As we shape the future of our School, Dean Boyce continues to focus on the importance of engaging our young alumni community. In March, CEYA brought together the community of recent graduates at a NYC Pi Day celebration and at the annual Blue & White Gala at an exciting new venue. These events are just a sample of the many alumni programs that not only strengthen class bonds but also foster a spirit of comradery across generations.
On Thursday, May 30, we will kick off the most anticipated alumni event of the year, Alumni Weekend. The weekend begins with the dean’s Alumni Welcome Dinner and CEAA Awards Presentation in Low Library and continues with faculty lectures, tours, affinity receptions, and special class dinners for reunion alumni. We encourage all alumni to attend to learn about the groundbreaking research Columbia faculty are doing and to hear from the dean on her vision for the School.
As always, please stay in touch on social media to learn about social, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Your engagement and participation is important to us. We hope you will connect back to Columbia Engineering in a way that is meaningful to you.
Doug Yolen
BS’11, ’16BUS
President
Columbia Engineering Young Alumni
Alex Ned
BS’87, MS’90
President
Columbia Engineering Alumni Association
