Celebrating Academic Excellence: New Scholars Welcomed into GS Honor Society

On Monday, February 24, the Columbia GS Honor Society welcomed 431 new members in a ceremony held at Low Memorial Library. Students were joined by peers, family members, and GS faculty and staff in celebration of their outstanding academic achievements.

Dean Rosen-Metsch opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and expressing pride in this year's inductees. Highlighting the extraordinary achievements of the students, she emphasized their ability to excel academically while balancing careers, families, business ventures, and other responsibilities.

“You, the students of GS, truly live intellectual lives—inside and outside of the classroom,” the Dean remarked. “Your dedication to scholarship and your diverse experiences embody the values of GS and higher education at large.”

Dean Rosen-Metsch then introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Christopher Riano '07GS. Riano, a constitutional and public law attorney, has held numerous leadership positions at Columbia and beyond, including serving as assistant counsel to the governor of New York and as a member of the GS Board of Visitors. He is also an award-winning author and scholar, recognized with the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association for his book "Marriage Equality: From Outlaws to In-Laws." 

Riano implored the inductees to lead with honor and reflect on the significance of the moment. “You are stepping into a future that will be defined by innovation, global challenges, and rapid change. Your skills, your education, and your intellect will undoubtedly open doors, but it is your strength of your character—your honor—that will determine the impact you leave behind,” he said.

This was the first induction ceremony since fall 2023 and included scholars from the last two academic years. Congratulations to all the inductees for their remarkable achievements and dedication to scholarship!

By the Numbers

Among the 431 inductees are:

• 71 first-generation college students
• 19 U.S. military veterans 
• 46 who have served in international military forces. 
• 141 Dual and Joint Degree Program students (83 from Sciences Po, 24 from Tel Aviv University, 17 from City University of Hong Kong, 15 from Jewish Theological Seminary, and 2 from Trinity College Dublin). 
• Age range: 20 to 62
• 43 countries represented, including Australia, Brazil, China, France, India, Israel, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and many others.

About the GS Honor Society

Established in the late 1990s, the GS Honor Society was created by students to bring together the highest academic performers at GS. More than a recognition of excellence, it fosters a dynamic community that engages in intellectual discovery beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, the GS Honor Society offers events and opportunities for students, alumni, and faculty to connect and collaborate.