Recent alumni from all four schools boarded the USS Intrepid on Friday night for cocktails and dancing. On Saturday, alumni returned to campus for a full day of events and activities. One of the most popular events of the day was the lecture given by Peter J. Awn, Dean of the School of General Studies, to a standing-room-only crowd in Havemeyer Hall. The lecture was entitled "Sibling Rivalry in the Family of Abraham: Islam and its Relationship to Judaism and Christianity." Three other deans, as well as distinguished faculty members, gave lectures throughout the day.
The Dean’s Day Lunch was held at Faculty House on Saturday afternoon, and alumni were joined by several University faculty and administrators including Executive Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations Fred Van Sickle, Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences Nicholas Dirks, Vice President for Development Kathy Okun, and Dean Awn.
Reunion Committee Chair Roger Leeds ’66 welcomed guests and acknowledged the University officials who attended the lunch. Van Sickle, Dirks and Awn all spoke about the impact that the School of General Studies has on the student and alumni communities at Columbia University.
In the evening, Reunion celebrants attended a wine tasting on Low Plaza before gathering in Faculty House for a special cocktail reception and dinner. Dean Awn gave a special address to all the guests highlighting accomplishments of the GS alumni community. Four past Alumni Medal recipients were in attendance—Lucille Roussin ’69GS, Caroline Wueschner ’71GS, Melissa Bell ’93GS, and Phil Ehrlich ’88GS—as well as members of the current student body and two recent graduates from the class of 2011.
The Reunion Dinner was followed by the Starlight Reception on Low Plaza, where all alumni and guests were invited to enjoy dessert and champagne as they celebrated the final moments of Reunion on the dance floor.
To see additional photos from this event please visit the GS alumni Facebook page.
