Wednesday, May 16, 2012

NEWS »

Nontraditional students, military vets hailed at General Studies Class Day

The ceremony was moved back to Sunday due to security measures surrounding President Barack Obama’s decision to speak at Barnard's commencement ceremony Monday afternoon.

Obama highlights women's rights in commencement address

Obama, CC ’83, largely avoided campaign rhetoric during his keynote address, focusing on women’s rights during an election year in which women’s issues have permeated the political dialogue.

Xerox CEO tells SEAS graduates to 'do some good for the world'

Ursula Burns spoke to undergraduate and graduate students at the School of Engineering and Applied Science's class day ceremony.

Senior profile: Daniel Alonso, CC

Alonso made his first trip to Zuccotti Park on Sept. 17—the first day protesters arrived there—and within two weeks he had been arrested and featured in a clip on MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.”

Senior profile: Adam Iseman, SEAS

Iseman builds a lot of gadgets, but is proudest of the robotic swarm that he and three other engineering students showcased at the Cornell Cup at Disney World earlier this month.

Senior profile: Vincent Nguyen, GS

After being homeless and living with a friend’s family for several months in order to finish high school, Nguyen won a scholarship to the Collin College, where he earned an associate degree before coming to Columbia.

Senior profile: Maddie Provo, BC

“I don’t like it when people are like, ‘What’s it gonna be like in the real world?’” Provo said. “Am I in purgatory right now? This is something. I don’t know how real or unreal it is, but it’s not unreal.”

Senior profile: Sara Snedeker, BC

Snedeker was instrumental in pushing the senate to endorse public course evaluations, which it did in a 44-12 vote last month. She helped lead a Student Affairs Committee effort to develop and draft a course evaluations resolution, a yearlong initiative that required faculty, administrative, and student support.

Senior profile: Jacqueline Thong, GS

Thong, who hails from a small town in Malaysia, was president of the General Studies Student Council for two years. She majored in sustainable development after becoming interested in the economic development of Third World countries.

Senior profile, Kevin Zhai, CC

Zhai kept himself busy in his four years: as chair of the Asian American Alliance, a brother of Sigma Nu, a varsity swimmer, and the VP Finance for Columbia College Student Council his senior year.

Senior profile: Sarah Dion, CC

“COÖP and CAVA have been a huge part of my Columbia experience. They were my most formative experiences at Columbia,” Dion, CC ’12, said.

At Columbia College Class Day, Harper's publisher analyzes texts

Rick MacArthur, CC ’78, discussed Karl Marx and other texts, while more than 1,000 CC seniors celebrated their graduation and looked back on their time at Columbia.

Senior profiles

Before commencement, have a look at some of the outstanding members of the class of 2012.

Senior profile: Sadie Zukowski, SEAS

Zukowski loves buildings, so she studied construction safety and civil engineering at Columbia, but will pursue a master’s in artificial intelligence next year.

SPORTS »

Senior profile: Kyle Merber, CC

Kyle Merber, a Columbia College graduate, set the collegiate record for an American on Monday. His 3:35.59 in the 1,500 meter run was what got the job done.

Senior profile: Melissa Shafer

CC graduate Melissa Shafer set the record for most three-pointers made in Columbia women's basketball history.

Senior profile: Sammy Roberts, SEAS

Sammy Roberts plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, but she still hopes to fence in the future.

Senior profile: Pat Lowery, CC

Pat Lowery, CC '12, was able to overcome a rough freshman season to become one of the greatest Columbia pitchers of all time.

Senior profile: Mike Mazzullo

Columbia College's Mike Mazzulo has capped of an impressive career, and is currently practicing with the New York Red Bulls. Although a spot on the team is certainly not guaranteed, it is a step in the right direction.

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