Student and Alumni Profiles

How Tel Aviv-Columbia Dual Degree student and entrepreneur Aviv Hanuka ’26GS turned his global experience into leadership beyond the classroom.

Raquel Ramirez ‘26GS reflects on the setbacks that reshaped her path, the promise that changed her course, and the determination that led her to Columbia.

Witnessing 9/11 as a teenager propelled former Army medic and firefighter Patrick Johnson ’26GS into years of service, loss, and recovery—ultimately leading him to forge a hard-earned path to Columbia.

Through work in entrepreneurship, finance, and the arts, Mikka Kabugo ‘26GS shares how a nonlinear path can lead to some of life’s greatest moments both in and out of the classroom.

After retiring from the glamorous world of ballet, Robert Mulvey ‘26GS shares how his path back to the classroom has helped in his journey to grow and succeed beyond the stage.

Student veteran Marquise Johnson ‘26GS basks in the impactful GS community one last time before graduating with a new sense of purpose.

Lydia Jacob ‘26PBPM reflects on how proud she is of the Columbia student body and the ways the program has facilitated her career change.

Balancing life between Ireland and New York, Maeve Sheehan ‘26GS found the perfect fit in the Trinity-Columbia Dual BA program.

After years of instability, incarceration, and loss, Jonathan Wrenn ‘26GS rebuilt his life through education. At GS, he found not only direction, but a passion to help others do the same.

Michael Novak ’09GS, Artistic Director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, will be honored for his transformative leadership in dance and continued dedication to the Columbia community.

After years of putting survival first, Batoul (Tooli) Shariah ‘26GS reclaimed her education and is carrying her story into research, advocacy, and graduate study at Oxford.

A longtime voice in food and television, Alejandra Ramos ’26GS came to Columbia GS to explore how art, culture, and identity intersect—and to finish the degree she began two decades ago.

Ime Ekpo ‘26GS reflects on the ways her journalism career pushed her back into the classroom, and how her research influences her connection to culture and power. 

On Monday, May 18, the School of General Studies celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of the 827 members of the Class of 2026.

For Kiet Nguyen ‘26PBPM, a commitment to service, discipline, and honor led him to medicine—now, he will carry his healing mission with him during his Fulbright program in Vietnam.

Congratulations to the GSers honored at the annual ceremony at Faculty House!

Michael Novak ‘09GS and Thomas Reardon ’08GS, ’13GSAS, ’16GSAS were recognized for their continued contributions to GS and the Columbia communities.

On Tuesday, May 5, the School of General Studies celebrated the outstanding leadership of over 100 students at the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Congratulations to Sustainable Development major Anaïs Taffin ‘28GS, for becoming a 2026–2027 Udall Undergraduate Scholar!