Schedule of Events

Kick off Columbia Reunion 2026 with a special gathering for Columbia College and Barnard College classmates at V&T! Start the weekend’s celebrations with great company, good food and drinks, and lots of Columbia spirit!

Kick off Columbia Reunion 2026 with a special gathering for the Class of 1986 at The Expat! Start the weekend’s celebrations with great company, good food and drinks, and lots of Columbia spirit! Your ticket includes two drink comps and light bites.

Join fellow Columbia Engineering alumni for a special dinner to kick off Columbia Reunion 2026, where the Columbia Engineering Alumni Association will bestow the School's most distinguished medals.

6:00 PM: Reception in Faculty Room

7:00 PM: Dinner in Low Rotunda

If you are interested in purchasing a table, please email seasalumni@columbia.edu

Reunite with classmates and friends for a casual meetup at Amity Hall Uptown to kick off the weekend.

Kick off Columbia Reunion 2026 with a special gathering for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering classmates in the Upper East Side home of University Trustee Alisa Amarosa Wood CC’01, BUS’08 and her husband, Alastair Wood CC’01. Don’t miss this chance to start the weekend’s celebrations with great company, good drinks and lots of Columbia spirit!

Reunite with classmates and friends for a casual meetup at Purple Waves to kick off Columbia Reunion.

Kick off Columbia Reunion 2026 with a special gathering for Columbia College classmates at the Rosevale Cocktail Lounge in the Civilian Hotel, generously hosted by Michael Lee CC’96.

• Mini-Core Class with Core Director Larry Jackson (10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) 

Details TBA.

• Mini-Core Class: Literature Humanities (10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) 

Details TBA.

• Butler Library Tour: Meet the King’s College Class of 1776! (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) Butler Library, Rare Book Room, 6th Fl.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, look back at what student life was like before the Revolutionary War, how King’s College was impacted by the conflict and how it reestablished itself in the new nation. Explore items from the University Archives collection, both originals and reproductions, that help tell this story.

An exciting lecture on AI and Neural Intelligence with Professor Richard Zemel, Trianthe Dakolias Professor of Engineering and Applied Science; Professor of Computer Science

Please note: there is no pre-registration required to attend this event. 

• Solo Piano Performance and Talkback With Michael Skelly CC’77 (1:00 p.m–2:30 p.m.) Alfred Lerner Hall, Wang Pavilion, lower level

Join pianist Michael Skelly CC’77 for a solo performance and talkback exploring works by Johannes Brahms, Nicolás Lell Benavides and Franz Schubert. The program features Brahms’ Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 21, No. 1, the contemporary piece Ricercares Intervalicos by Benavides and Schubert’s expansive Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960. Throughout the session, Skelly will share insights into the music and invite the audience into a brief conversation about the works performed.

• Faculty Lecture: The Entertained States of America (1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.) Location TBD

Drawing on her book, The American Mirage: How Reality TV Upholds the Myth of Meritocracy, Assistant Professor of Political Science Eunji Kim explores how popular entertainment shapes Americans’ beliefs about success and opportunity. Shows like Shark Tank and American Idol often present compelling stories of talent and grit leading to success, subtly reinforcing the idea that the system works and anyone can make it. The result, research suggests, is greater optimism about economic mobility than the data supports — and less support for policies that address inequality.

• Faculty Lecture: Social Networks Throughout Life Phases (1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.) Location TBD

This talk, with Associate Professor of Psychology Meghan Meyer, will explore the brain mechanisms that shape how we form and navigate social networks across different stages of life. From childhood to adulthood, our social worlds shift and expand, and the brain adapts in ways that influence how we build relationships, maintain connections and move among different communities. The talk will also highlight how these changes shape the ways we experience and manage our social lives over time.

• Understanding the Highly Selective Admissions Process (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) Location TBD

Join a discussion with an Undergraduate Admissions staff member on the college search process, highly selective admissions and the changing higher education landscape.

Join us for the following tours: 

• The Columbia Plasma Physics Lab to learn about the nascent fusion industry and experience the cutting edge of this exciting clean energy technology
• The Columbia Robotics and Rehabilitation (RoAR) Lab to learn about its focus on developing innovative robots and methods to help humans relearn, restore, or improve functional movements
• The Materials Science Lab Tour

The tours will meet in the courtyard outside Mudd by the Le Marteleur statue. 

Tours will run on a rolling basis between 1 pm and 4 pm, and you’re welcome to arrive at any time during that window. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, and groups will be limited to a maximum of 15 people at a time.

This special session offers alumni a guided exploration of the library’s spaces, services, and collections, including a rare look at archival materials highlighting the history of the School of General Studies. In addition, participants will learn how to obtain a Library ID for on-campus access, discover the wide range of research tools and resources available to alumni, and gain insight into the expert support and services provided by the library staff.

A special CC’01 gathering on campus where you will reminisce with classmates and relive your college experience through fun activities and memorabilia.

• Butler Library Open House Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, 6th Floor

Revisit the iconic study spaces of Butler Library and hear from the University Archivist about the library’s operations and unique collections.

• Carmen Hall Open House

Step inside Carman Hall to see what first-year residence hall life looks like today. Residential Life staff will share insights about living on campus and answer questions about the student experience.

• Hamilton Hall Open House Lobby, Hamilton Hall

Revisit the classrooms where generations of Columbia College students began their Core Curriculum journey. Core faculty and College staff will discuss the current syllabus and answer questions while alumni and their guests explore these iconic academic spaces.

• Havemeyer Hall Open House Room 301, Havemeyer Hall

Hear from Arts & Sciences faculty, and graduate students from the biology and history departments, about current research and curriculum. Alumni and their guests may also step back into the building’s classic lecture halls to reconnect with their academic experience.

• Kraft Center Open House and Reception 

Explore the Kraft Center, a vibrant hub of Jewish student life on campus. Hear about the evolving landscape of Jewish university life, and connect with fellow alumni and guests during a welcoming reception.

• Uris Hall Open House Career Center, Uris Hall 2nd Floor

Explore the newly renovated Center for Career Education in Uris Hall and meet the staff. Learn how they support students at every stage of career development from counseling and internships, to connecting with employers and alumni.

Gather with fellow Engineering alumni to celebrate the school! Enjoy light bites and refreshments, connect with your classmates and meet alumni from other decades. Join in celebrating the classes of 1976 and 2001 on their golden and silver anniversaries.

Join Dean Rosen-Metsch in conversation with Elizabeth Bellak (GS ’55) as she reflects on her time at GS and the remarkable story behind the publication of Renia’s Diary. Written by her sister, Renata Spiegel, as World War II unfolded, the diary survived the Holocaust and remained unseen for decades. Bellak will share the journey of honoring and amplifying her sister’s voice in this moving discussion of memory, history, and legacy.

Join us for the inaugural Reunion Lawn Party, a casual, family-friendly evening on the campus lawns celebrating all four undergraduate schools. Enjoy food, drinks, music and conversation as alumni of all ages, and their guests, come together to reconnect, relax and celebrate the Columbia community.

When Scholarship Meets the Stage…

What Happens? What does it look like when ideas don’t just live on the page—but move, speak, and perform? Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary field that goes beyond the historical study of theatre, using performance as a lens to explore social, cultural, and political life. But what if performance isn’t just something we analyze—what if it is the method? A way to ask questions, test ideas, and generate new knowledge? Join us for a dynamic showing and conversation featuring a live performance by Robert Mulvey (GS ’26), alongside work by another performance scholar in the field. Experience research in motion, then stay for a discussion on practice-as-research and the ways artists and scholars engage in shared processes of thinking, making, and knowing—through different forms. Come curious. Leave inspired. Close out the first day of Reunion with an elegant wine and cheese reception celebrating our featured artists and the vibrant community that brings us together.

Every week, hundreds of students come together at the Kraft Family Center for Jewish Student Life for Shabbat dinner. Share in this joyous Shabbat experience by joining fellow alumni from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, the School of General Studies and Barnard College for a festive family-style dinner. Alumni families are welcome too!

Enjoy breakfast followed by the presentation of the President’s Cup, awarded by the Columbia College Alumni Association for service in a reunion year. Dean Josef Sorett will then host the State of the College Discussion.

All alumni are invited to start the day with inspiration and camaraderie at a special breakfast! Get a glimpse into the latest developments at Columbia Engineering with Dean Shih-Fu Chang, share in the excitement of what’s to come, and join in a celebratory toast to the Classes of 1976 and 2001 on their golden and silver anniversaries.

Join Dean Rosen-Metsch for breakfast and enjoy a faculty lecture with Professor Sarah E. DeMoya of the Columbia University Department of Psychology. A scholar of cognitive aging, working memory, and neuroscience, Professor DeMoya will explore how memory functions across the lifespan and what current research reveals about learning and retention

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jodi Kantor CC’96 for an inspiring keynote drawing on her new book, How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work. Kantor delves into the journeys of people who have found purpose and passion in their professional lives, sharing stories, research and practical strategies for discovering meaningful work at any stage. This talk will offer guidance, insight and motivation for anyone navigating career transitions, seeking fulfillment or exploring new paths.

Gather with fellow alumni for a relaxed and welcoming lunch celebrating all class years of the Columbia University School of General Studies. Enjoy time to reconnect, share memories, and build new connections over a shared meal. You’ll also hear from current students whose diverse paths have led them to GS. Be inspired by their remarkable stories and experiences—and take pride in the vibrant, evolving community that continues to define the School of General Studies.

Catch up with friends from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies and Barnard College! This al fresco, buffet lunch will offer a wide array of food and beverages. Families are welcome!

• Athletics Alumni Reception

Reconnect with fellow student-athletes alumni and celebrate your shared experiences on and off the field. Enjoy a special appearance by the Patricia & Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Jon Poppe as you mix, mingle and relive your Columbia Athletics memories.

• Kingsmen Alumni Reception

Reconnect with fellow Kingsmen alumni and celebrate the music and camaraderie that defined your time together. Enjoy a casual gathering filled with familiar faces — and maybe even a little singing!

• Sorority and Fraternity Life Reception

Reconnect with fellow fraternity and sorority alumni and celebrate the friendships and traditions that shaped your Greek life experience. Enjoy a lively gathering filled with connection, shared memories and lasting bonds.

• Spectator Alumni Reception

Reconnect with fellow Spectator alumni and celebrate your shared experience in student journalism. Enjoy a lively gathering of storytellers and newsmakers as you reminisce and reconnect.

• Residential Advisors Reception

Reconnect with fellow residential adviser alumni and celebrate the communities you helped build and the impact you had on student life. Enjoy a relaxed gathering to reminisce, reconnect and share stories from your time in the halls.

• Columbia Alumni Affinity Group Community Reception 

Hosted by the Asian Columbia Alumni Association, Black Alumni Council and Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University.

• WKCR Alumni Reception

Reconnect with fellow WKCR alumni and celebrate 85 years since the station’s first broadcast. Enjoy a lively gathering honoring the legacy of student radio, with plenty of stories, memories and shared love of the airwaves.

• 1754 Society Reception 

This reception will honor members of the 1754 Society and also give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the impact of planned gifts to Columbia.

• Veterans Reception 

Presented by Columbia General Studies.

• LGBTQ+ Reception 

Join alumni from the College, Engineering, Barnard and General Studies.

• Alumni Panel - Leadership in Business 1:30-3:00 p.m. Location tbd

Join alumni from all classes for a dynamic conversation on leadership, featuring a panel led by Charles Spinosa CC’76 alongside distinguished business leaders from milestone reunion classes (ending in 1 or 6). Explore key themes from Spinosa’s book Leadership as a Masterpiece Creation: What Business Leaders Can Learn from the Humanities About Moral Risk-Taking and engage in thoughtful discussion on leadership, purpose and impact.

• Faculty Panel - Artificial Intelligence in Education 1:30-3:00 p.m. Location TBD

Join faculty from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering for a timely conversation on the role of AI in today’s classrooms. Gain insights as the speakers explore how emerging technologies are shaping teaching, learning and the student experience.

An exciting lecture on Energy, Transition, and Mining with Professor Dan Steingart, Stanley-Thompson Professor of Chemical Metallurgy; Professor of Chemical Engineering; Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering.

Please note: no pre-registration required to attend this event. 

Join us for a thought-provoking session on how one institution reimagined what support for student veterans can, and should, be. This talk will explore a unique philosophy that emerged at Columbia University's School of General Studies, one that takes seriously veterans' ability to perform at the very highest levels at America's very best colleges and universities, and how that philosophy is now having an impact far beyond Morningside Heights. Presented by R.J. Jenkins, Director of Education at the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, this lecture will invite you to engage with ideas that challenge assumptions and spark new and exciting possibilities for what higher education can do, and what it should do.

Gather with veteran alumni and students from all generations and all Columbia schools to connect, network, and learn about the University's support for veterans, including those provided by the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI). Appetizers, beer, and wine will be served. 

Join fellow Columbia Engineering graduate program alumni and Engineering leadership for an opportunity to catch up with friends and expand your network.

Join the Society of Columbia Graduates and the deans of Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to recognize this year’s Great Teacher Award recipients. 

For this specific event, please register here.

Graduates of our Dual and Joint Degree Programs with Sciences Po, Tel Aviv University, Trinity College Dublin, City University of Hong Kong, and List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary are invited to a champagne reception in celebration of these diverse and groundbreaking nontraditional undergraduate programs.

Reconnect with alumni and students from the Postbac Premed Program at this special reception! Light bites will be served.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Barnard College to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with classmates from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering to connect over drinks and dinner and close out reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Gather with fellow Golden Lions and connect over drinks and dinner to close out the reunion. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to join your class photo.

Don’t miss the biggest GS alumni event of the year! At this special event, attendees will hear from Dean Rosen-Metsch, and the Owl Award will be presented to this year’s recipient. Following dinner, join alumni from all schools at the Starlight Reception on Low Plaza.

Close out Columbia Reunion 2026 with a bang at this annual party, complete with a live band, dessert and champagne. Lounge on the Steps, under the gaze of Alma Mater, and take part in one of Columbia’s most special evenings of the year.