Business Trailblazer Bob Hammer ’65GS, ’67BUS is Devoted to Giving Back to the GS Community

Entrepreneur N. Robert “Bob” Hammer ’65GS, ’67BUS credits Columbia with giving him the foundation he needed to succeed in the business world—and expresses gratitude through his long-standing and generous support of GSHammer’s academic journey took several twists: First he pursued an engineering degree, then history, but neither was the right fit—until he decided on business. He applied to GS with plenty of transfer credits but needed a foreign language, so the New York native moved to Paris to learn French. However, when he received a draft notice in 1963, he realized he “had to get into school really fast.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from GS and his graduate degree from Columbia Business School, Hammer embarked on a versatile 50-year business career. He founded his current company, Hammer Ventures, in 2019 to identify and invest in companies with strong, highly differentiated AI technology foundations. Prior, he spent 20 years as CEO of Commvault after its spinoff from AT&T. Hammer also served as chairman, president, and CEO of Norand Corporation, Telequest Corporation, and Material Progress Corporation.

A constant in Hammer’s life, however, has been his commitment to giving back. In 1982, he and his wife, Ann—whom he met at an art appreciation night class at Columbia—formed the Hammer Family Charitable Foundation Inc., which focuses its support on education.

“Having the right kind of educational background has meaning in the marketplace, and in my mind, I would not be where I am today without my foundation at GS,” Hammer said. 

Hammer’s contributions to the School include two endowed student scholarships and a recent donation to name the lobby of the new GS residential building 99 Claremont, the first-ever dedicated GS residential housing.

“Bob’s GS story is so deeply connected to the School. He found his path here, built the foundation for an extraordinary career, and has never forgotten the role this community played in his life,” said Dean Rosen-Metsch. “His generosity reflects a heartfelt belief in the power of education to change lives and we couldn’t be more grateful for all he has given to GS and our students.”

For Hammer, each person’s decision to give back must come from the heart, and for him, education is a worthwhile cause.

“You can’t put a price on the impact that educational institutions have on society—they are islands of civilization in a chaotic world,” said Hammer. “Giving people the financial assistance they need to go to college means they can build a rewarding life for themselves and their families.”