GS Celebrates the Class of 2024 at Class Day Ceremony

The School of General Studies (GS) celebrated the Class of 2024 at the GS Class Day Ceremony on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baker Athletics Complex.

Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch '90GS opened the ceremony by warmly welcoming graduates, their loved ones, GS faculty and staff, Columbia faculty and staff, and distinguished guests, including representatives from GS’s partner institutions. "As the ninth Dean of Columbia GS, and the very proud first alumna to be dean of this exceptional school, I am so proud that our school stands as a beacon for the future of higher education in our society," she said, reflecting on GS’s rich history and the significance of its diverse, nontraditional student body.

Following Dean Rosen-Metsch’s welcome, Senior Class President Faith Grady ‘24GS took the stage to address her fellow graduates. “Today is truly a Class Day unlike any other. It’s a day we dreamed of, yet it looks different than what we expected,” she said. Yet, Grady continued, “this morning, we gather not only to celebrate academic achievements, but the unwavering dedication and spirit that comes with being a graduate of the School of General Studies.” In conclusion, Grady, recipient of the Dean’s Citation, shared, “come rain or come shine, one thing is true for us all: We will soon be Columbia University alumni and we will always be part of the historic class of 2024. Whether you’ve been here for two years, four years, eight years, or somewhere in between, you have a home at the School of General Studies. Congratulations to each and every one of you, I’m so proud to be a part of this class, and I’m so proud to be part of the General Studies community."

This year's Class Day Keynote Speaker was Troy Murphy ‘16GS, a former NBA player and GS alumnus. Murphy’s speech focused on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of embracing challenges. "As non-traditional students, we have taken the road less traveled," Murphy stated, quoting Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken." He shared personal anecdotes about his journey, emphasizing that the most fulfilling pursuits often come with fear and doubt, but leaning into these emotions leads to growth and success. He encouraged the graduates to continue challenging themselves and to embrace the responsibility that comes with their achievements. "Embrace the responsibility that comes with being a Columbia graduate. Keep on rising. Know the power that’s inside of you. It is always, always you versus you, and success is your responsibility," he concluded.

Following Murphy’s remarks, Dean Rosen-Metsch presented several awards to distinguished graduates. The Alumni Key Award was given to Davey Liu ‘24GS in recognition of his exceptional campus leadership and impactful academic work on equity in healthcare. The Campbell Award was given to Ebonnie Goodfield ‘24GS, a leader in the GS student veteran community who has been a particularly strong advocate for women veterans. Dean Rosen-Metsch also presented the Class of 2024 Salutatorian, Matthew George Botros ‘24GS, an accomplished boxer who graduates summa cum laude with a degree in psychology and a concentration in business management.

Dean of Students Marlyn Delva '98BC, '99TC, '13TC then presented the 2024 degree candidates, marking the official transition of the graduates from students to alumni. Following the presentation of the degree candidates, Dean Rosen-Metsch introduced the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, Xuezhen Wang ‘24GS, a graduate of the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in computer science. Wang is the first GS Valedictorian from the Joint Degree Program with City University. 

Valedictorian Xuezhen Wang ‘24GS celebrated the diverse and unconventional journeys of his classmates in his remarks, incorporating a favorite Chinese lyric (“The world urges you to strive for fame and success, but sincerity is the greatest skill of all”) and a quote from Taylor Swift! “Here at GS, collectively, we redefine success on our own terms, which should not be measured by the accumulation of fame or wealth, but by the authenticity of our pursuits,” he said. “Each path is chosen not for its prestige, but for its alignment with our deepest values.” 

Dean Rosen-Metsch concluded the ceremony by saying “Congratulations to the Class of 2024!...Each and every one of you embodies, in a spectacular way, the mission and vision of GS and Columbia. I hope you will stay involved with your Columbia family far into the future.”

Overview of the Class of 2024

• Number of 2024 Graduates: 803
• The average age is 28; our youngest graduate is 20 and our oldest is 71
• Graduates hail from 42 states and 74 countries
• Over 26% of graduates are new Americans or international students
• First-generation college graduates: 205
• Number of graduates who were community college Phi Theta Kappa members: 157
• GS Honor Society members graduating: 316
• JTS/GS Joint Program graduates: 31
• Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po graduates: 113
• Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University: 23
• Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University graduates: 39
• Dual Degree Program between Tel Aviv University and Columbia University graduates: 17
• Number of graduates who received a Pell Grant: 147
• U.S. military veterans graduating: 90
• International military veterans graduating: 67